Bruce Irvin, the West Virginia standout who registered eight sacks as a rookie with the Seattle Seahawks, said he will not appeal the four-game performance-enhancing drug suspension handed down by the NFL.
“I want to apologize to my teammates, coaches and Seahawks fans for making a mistake when I took a substance that is prohibited in the NFL without a medical exemption,” Irvin said in a statement released by the Seahawks.
“I am extremely disappointed in the poor judgment I showed and take full responsibility for my actions. I will not appeal the discipline and instead will focus my energy on preparing for the season so I can begin earning your trust and respect again. I look forward to contributing to the team the moment I return.”
Irvin was the 15th overall pick in 2012 NFL draft and enjoyed a promising rookie campaign in which the Seahawks reached the NFC divisional playoffs. Though he can participate in offseason and preseason workouts, Irvin will be prohibited from practicing with the team during the first four weeks of the regular season.
Irvin posted a follow-up message on his Twitter account:
“I messed up and I feel so bad and have been depressed for weeks now,” Irvin said. “I’ve had sleepless nights because I knew when this came out, I would let so many people down, including myself. … West Virginia, I love u always and know you have my back and always will.”