Colts' Robert Mathis suspended four games for PED

Former Alabama A&M star player makes poor decision

INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana -- The Indianapolis Colts' defense has taken a big hit with training camp still months away.

The NFL and the Colts announced Friday that outside linebacker Robert Mathis was suspended four games for violating the league's performance-enhancing drug policy.

Mathis released a statement through NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport in which Mathis said the failed test came from taking fertility drugs. He admitted that he made the mistake of not checking with the NFL or NFL Players Association about whether the drugs would present a problem for drug testing.

"The union has worked very closely with me to present all of the facts and medical records for consideration of discipline that does not include a suspension because of the unique facts of my case, but the Commissioner refused the request," Mathis said.

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NFL issues sharp response to Robert Mathis' claims

NEW YORK, NY  --  Robert Mathis had his say.

Now the NFL is taking its turn.

After a series of revelations by Mathis' camp on the heels of his four-game suspension for violating the league's performance-enhancing drug policy, the NFL is addressing some of Mathis' specific claims.

RELATED: Mathis says fertility drug prompted positive test

Mathis, who admits to taking the substance Clomid as a fertility aid in his and his wife's efforts to conceive a baby, sought leniency from the NFL after his positive test late last season. His appeal was denied, and the league now is going into more depth about the decision in a statement provided to the Indianapolis Star.

"As Mr. Mathis' agent acknowledged (Friday), his client failed to follow the protocols in the policy that the NFL and NFLPA agreed upon to address precisely these kinds of claims," the statement reads. "That policy also prescribes the disciplinary consequences of a positive test. The policy does not provide – nor should it provide – for the commissioner to override the policy's procedures and assess discipline on an after-the-fact, ad hoc basis. Here Mr. Mathis actually withdrew his appeal and accepted discipline at the union's suggestion. His hearing took place only after the Players Association requested that the appeal be reinstated."

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