Benjamin Watson Facing Four-Game Suspension

Benjamin Watson, the one-time Patriots tight end who this month left retirement to come back to his old team, said he faces a four-game suspension for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy. Watson said Sunday on his Facebook he was subscribed "Bio Identical Testosterone Cypionate to assist in healing my body and mind" after he told his doctors he was done playing in March.

Watson, 38, said he was randomly tested by the NFL March 29, and in April when teams showed interest in him he decided to return to football. His positive test came back in May.

"I was devastated and for obvious reasons did not want to proceed," he said.

Watson signed with the Patriots soon after.

"Ultimately I decided to pursue another year and on May 9 the Patriots offered me a contract in spite of these circumstances," he said. "I am excited and thankful to return to New England but very disappointed that I will not be able to play and contribute immediately. This is not how I would want to enter a new locker room and attempt to earn my role on a new team. However, I respect the regulations that have been collectively bargained to promote fairness on the field of play and accept the discipline associated with my infraction."

Watson has long been one of the most respected players in football, playing 14 years with New England, Cleveland, New Orleans and Baltimore. He played with the Patriots from 2004-09, contributing one of the all-time hustle plays in NFL playoff history.

Tom Brady and Julian Edelman have each been suspended the first four games of recent seasons. Both seasons ended in the Patriots winning the Super Bowl.