Peppers withdraws appeal, four-game suspension begins

Julius Peppers' appeal was not denied by the NFL on Tuesday. He didn't win it either.

Peppers withdrew his appeal Tuesday, meaning his four-game suspension for violating the league's policy on anabolic steroids and supplements goes into effect immediately.

"It's disappointing for me, the Panthers and the fans and everybody," Peppers said in a conference call Tuesday afternoon. "I wish I could finish the season. I'm just going to get over it and come back next year and be even stronger."

Peppers is allowed to play in the Pro Bowl if he is selected, but he is not allowed to participate in any way with the team for the next four weeks.

The Carolina Panthers made it clear to Peppers and his agent Marvin Demoff they did not want the appeal process to linger into Week 14. They wanted to ensure no portion of his four-game suspension was pushed into next season.

"We didn't not want the suspension to affect some of the 2003 season," Demoff said. "Julius did not want to do that. Julius is going to stand up and admit he made a mistake, although unwittingly, and learn from it."

The Panthers (4-8) have been eliminated from playoff contention.

The 22-year-old defensive lineman ranks third in the NFL and leads all rookies with 12 sacks. An All-American at North Carolina, he left after his junior year and was the No. 2 overall pick in April's draft.

Peppers tested positive for phentermine, which is found in a prescription diet pill.

The Associated Press contributed to this report