The NFL banned Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Aqib Talib for four games after he was found guilty of using a performance enhancing drug.
Talib said in a statement that he had taken an Adderall pill "around the beginning of training camp." He had taken it without prescription. He further stated that he would not challenge the ban. He will miss his first game against the Kansas City Royals Sunday. The NFL has put Adderall as a stimulant on its banned substance list.
Talib will also miss his subsequent matches against the New Orleans Saints, the Minnesota Vikings and the Oakland Raiders. It will cost him more than $400,000. He is expected to resume play on November 5.
Greg Schiano, the Bucs first-year coach said: "We are disappointed to learn that Aqib Talib will be suspended for four games, which will begin with our game tomorrow against Kansas City.
"I have spoken with Aqib, and he knows that he made a poor decision that let our team down. Certainly, other players will have the opportunity to step up while he serves this suspension."
This is Talib's second suspension of his career. He was suspended previously in 2010 when he violated the league's personal conduct policy. He was involved in an altercation with a St. Petersburg cab driver while he was in training camp.
Talib said: "I made a mistake by taking an Adderall pill without a prescription. This is especially regrettable because, for the past several months, with Coach Schiano's help, I've worked very hard to improve myself -- professionally and personally -- as a player and a man.
"I am truly sorry to my teammates, coaches and Buccaneers fans, and I'm disappointed in myself. I will work diligently every day of this suspension to stay in top football shape and be ready to help this team in the second half of the season.
"I have chosen to be immediately accountable for the situation I put myself in, which is why I will not exercise my appeal rights and will begin serving the suspension immediately."
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