CINCINNATI -- Cincinnati Bengals reserve linebacker Darryl Blackstock was suspended for four games by the NFL on Tuesday because he used an undisclosed performance-enhancing substance.
The Bengals signed Blackstock as a free agent from the Arizona Cardinals in the offseason. He has played in all five games, including one start, and has four tackles. The fourth-year veteran said in a statement that one of his nutritional supplements contained an ingredient banned by the league.
"I've apologized to my coaches and teammates for an unfortunate mistake," Blackstock said. "I did not intentionally violate the policy, but I know it's my responsibility to use only approved nutritional supplements, and I didn't realize I was taking an over-the-counter product that included a banned substance."
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