NEW YORK - New York Jets defensive lineman Sheldon Richardson was suspended without pay for the first four games of the regular season Thursday for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy.
Richardson will be eligible to return to the Jets' active roster Oct. 5 after the team's Oct. 4 game against the AFC East rival Miami Dolphins.
"I apologize for letting down my family, teammates, this organization and the fans," Richardson said in a statement.
"However, words aren't enough. This is something that can only be addressed by how I handle myself from this point on. I don't want this to take away from what the team is trying to accomplish. While I won't be there at the start of the regular season, I will do whatever I can to support my teammates until I'm able to return to the field."
Richardson is eligible to participate in all offseason and preseason practices and games. The Jets do have depth on their defensive line, with defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson, nose tackle Damon Harrison and first-round pick Leonard Williams.
Richardson is entering his third NFL season out of Missouri. He was the AP Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2013.