Colts linebacker Robert Mathis apologizes to teammates for PED suspension
Colts veteran Robert Mathis racked up 19.5 sacks in 2013 to lead the NFL. (David Bergman/SI)
Indianapolis Colts linebacker Robert Mathis received a suspension this past week for violating the NFL's policy on performance-enhancing substances for taking what later was revealed to be a fertility drug. It's a four-game suspension that will cost the reigning NFL sack champion $705,882 of his $3 million base salary this season.
On Wednesday, for the first time since the incident, Mathis stood up in front of his Colts teammates and offered his apologies for the careless behavior. It was a simple apology, but it got the point across that he regrets the mistake that he's made.
"Sorry, and I'll be back," Mathis told the team, according to the Indianapolis Star.
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The 11-year veteran went on to explain that he knows his teammates understand where he's coming from and he just wants to move past this from this point forward.
"I shouldn't have (done) it,'' Mathis said. "My bad. There's no question I'd like a re-do, but I can't take it back.''
In helping lead the Colts to an AFC South title and a playoff appearance last season, Mathis recorded a league-high 19.5 sacks, with 59 total tackles and eight forced fumbles.
