The NFL announced on Thursday that Jets defensive lineman Sheldon Richardson has been suspended without pay for the first four games of the 2015 regular season for violating the league's substance abuse policy.
Richardson will be able to participate in offseason and preseason practices and games. He will be eligible to return to the active roster on Oct. 5 following the Jets' Oct. 4 game against the 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.