Ravens’ Haloti Ngata Suspended Four Games For Violating NFL PED Policy

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The Baltimore Ravens will be without one of their best defensive players as they push for the playoffs.

Defensive tackle Haloti Ngata has been suspended four games by the NFL for violating the league’s performance-enhancing substance policy, the Ravens announced Thursday. The five-time Pro Bowler is eligible to return for the playoffs if the Ravens advance to the postseason.

“I made a mistake, and I own this,” Ngata said in a statement. “I took Adderall and take full responsibility for doing this. I am deeply sorry and broken up over this. I let down my family, my teammates, Ravens fans and myself. My hope is that the Ravens make the playoffs, and I believe they can do this. And, then I can come back and help us win.”

The Ravens (7-5) currently are locked in a three-way tie for second place in the AFC North. The Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns are 7-5, too, while the Cincinnati Bengals lead the division with an 8-3-1 record.

Losing Ngata certainly lessens the Ravens’ chances of reaching the playoffs. The 30-year-old has been a force in the middle of a Baltimore defense that ranks fifth against the run this season.

Thumbnail photo via Aaron Doster/USA TODAY Sports Images