Detroit Lions linebacker Travis Lewis was suspended for the final four games of the regular season for violating the NFL’s policy on performance-enhancing substances.
The 25-year-old Lewis is in his second season after being drafted in the seventh round last year. He has played 25 games for Detroit, with no starts, and his contributions have been mostly on special teams. Lewis is eligible to return on December 30, one day after Detroit’s regular-season finale against Minnesota.
“All NFL players know they are responsible for their actions, and they also know there are consequences when their actions are not consistent with league policy,” said Lions general manager Martin Mayhew. “While we are disappointed that Travis violated league policy and will miss the next four games, we expect that Travis will learn from this experience and not repeat it.”
In a statement released by the team, Lewis apologised to his coaches, teammates, fans and team.
“I have let my team down and there’s nothing worse than that,” he said. “I will not make the same mistake again. I look forward to returning to the team after I serve my suspension.”
To fill the roster spot, the Lions signed linebacker Julian Stanford. He played for the Jacksonville Jaguars last season.