NFL suspends Jets defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson four games

Richardson will be able to make his season debut on Oct. 18 against Washington.

The NFL has suspended New York Jets defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson four games without pay for violating the league's substance abuse policy. 

Richardson will miss games against the Browns, Colts, Eagles and Dolphins. He will be able to make his season debut on Oct. 18 against the Redskins, following a bye week. 

“I apologize for letting down my family, teammates, this organization and the fans,” Richardson said, according to a statement released by the Jets. “However, words aren't enough. This is something that can only be addressed by how I handle myself from this point on. I don't want this to take away from what the team is trying to accomplish. While I won't be there at the start of the regular season, I will do whatever I can to support my teammates until I'm able to return to the field.”

Richardson started all 16 games for the Jets last season, his second in the NFL. He recorded 70 total tackles and eight sacks. He also made his first Pro Bowl. 

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The Jets finished 4-12 last season. They fired head coach Rex Ryan and general manager John Idzik following their final game in December. 

The team hired former Arizona Cardinals defensive coordinator Todd Bowles as its new head coach in January. 

- Stanley Kay