SAN DIEGO -- San Diego Chargers tight end Antonio Gates was suspended without pay Thursday for the first four games of the 2015 season for violating the NFL's policy on performance-enhancing substances.
The NFL said in a statement that Gates can participate in training camp and preseason games. He will be able to return to the active roster on Oct. 5, a day after the Chargers' game against the Cleveland Browns.
Gates issued a statement through the team apologizing to the Chargers, his coaches, his teammates and the fans.
"In my 12 years in the NFL, I have taken tremendous pride in upholding the integrity of the NFL shield and all that it entails," Gate said.