STATEMENT BY AN NFL SPOKESPERSON:
Duane Brown of the Houston Texans has been suspended without pay for four games for violating the NFL policy on performance enhancing substances.
Brown's suspension begins immediately. He will be eligible to return to the Texans' active roster on Monday, October 18 following the team's October 17 game against the Kansas City Chiefs.
TEXANS GENERAL MANAGER RICK SMITH STATEMENT:
"We are disappointed that Duane Brown has been suspended. This is a significant blow to our team. Our players have to understand that they are responsible for what goes into their bodies and that they take risks anytime they use a supplement not approved by the NFL.
"Our head athletic trainer, head strength and conditioning coach as well as our team nutritionist have had many meetings and presentations constantly reminding our players about the dangers of the supplemental industry and risks associated with taking non-approved products.
"Gary and our coaches are game planning for Dallas and he will be available for comment tomorrow after practice. I am confident in our coaches and our players that we will work through this adversity and continue to play winning football."
DUANE BROWN STATEMENT:
"First off, I want to personally apologize to Mr. McNair, Coach Kubiak and the rest of the coaching staff, my teammates, family and to all the great and loyal Texans fans. I take full responsibility for putting myself in this situation. I unknowingly took a supplement tainted with a banned substance and now have to deal with the consequences. After reviewing the appeal process and speaking with legal counsel, I have decided not to appeal my suspension. I understand the rules and accept my punishment.
"I vow to learn from this mistake and be a better player and teammate because of it."
