Jets' Pace Suspended For Four Games

July 2, 2009 8:06 p.m. EST

New York, NY (AHN) - The NFL announced Thursday that New York Jets linebacker Calvin Pace will be suspended for the first four games of the 2009 season due to violation of the league's anti-drug policy.

The 28-year-old Pace, who played for the Jets last season after a five-year stint with Arizona, has been cited for violating the current policy on the use of performance-enhancing drugs.

In a statement, the Wake Forest alum said he didn't know that the dietary supplement he was taking contained banned substances.

"I am responsible for what I put into my body and I should have paid closer attention to the League's guidelines," Pace added. "I regret that this has happened and apologize to my teammates, the entire Jets organization as well as the fans. Hopefully, this does not distract from our ultimate goal of winning the Super Bowl."

The four-game ban does not prohibit Pace from attending the Jets' training camp and preseason activities.

Pace played in all 16 regular-season games in 2008, posting career-highs with seven sacks and five forced fumbles. He also tallied 62 solo tackles and three pass deflections.