NFL Suspends Haloti Ngata Through Ravens' 2014 Season

For violating its performance-enhancing drug policy, the National Football League (NFL) has suspended Ravens defensive tackle Haloti Ngata for four games, or the rest of the regular season, ESPN reported Thursday.

“I took Adderall and take full responsibility for doing this,” Ngata said in a statement issued by the Ravens.

The NFL’s performance-enhancing substances policy states that five players will be tested each week from eight teams, and the first time someone tests positive for a drug, he is suspended for four games.

Adderall is an amphetamine prescribed for those with attention deficit disorder. TheAssociated Press reported this week that eight out of every 10 positive drug tests from Major League Baseball were due to Adderall, which is known for its energy-boosting effects.

Ngata, who is known as a force to be reckoned with on the Ravens defense, was said to have turned to the drug after “feeling sluggish” due to the pressures of home and work life, according to NFL Insider.

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Ngata’s suspension results in a $2 million loss from his $8.5 million base salary, according to The Baltimore Sun, which reports he signed a $61 million contract in 2011 that runs through next season.

Ngata said he was “deeply sorry” and ”broken up” for disappointing his family, teammates, fans and himself.

“My hope is that the Ravens make the playoffs, and I believe they can...” Ngata said. “And, then I can come back and help us win.”

The team is one of six with a 7-5 record competing for the wild card slots in the AFC playoffs, according to USA Today.

The Ravens play the Miami Dolphins (7-5) in Florida on Sunday, Dec. 7; the Jacksonville Jaguars (2-10) at home on Sunday, Dec. 14; the Houston Texans (6-6) in Texas on Sunday, Dec. 21; and the Cleveland Browns (7-5) at home on Sunday, Dec. 28.

In Ngata’s absence the team will turn to rookie Timmy Jernigan, according toBaltimoreRavens.com.

The Ravens planned to hold a media conference Thursday afternoon.

Screenshot of Haloti Ngata from TMZ Sports/YouTube.