Patriots’ Julian Edelman apologizes to fans for failed drug test
Patriot's wide receiver may miss first four games

Patriots’ Julian Edelman apologizes to fans for failed drug test

Edelman is appealing the four-game suspension for violating the NFL's policy on performance-enhancing drugs.

Julian Edelman playing against the Washington Redskins at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Massachusetts, Nov. 8, 2015. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
Julian Edelman playing against the Washington Redskins at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Massachusetts, Nov. 8, 2015. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman responded to reports that he violated the NFL’s policy on performance-enhancing drugs with an apology.

Edelman is appealing the four-game suspension for the violation, which was reported first on Thursday by ESPN.

“I am very sorry — I don’t know what happened,” Edelman wrote last week on Instagram. “I’ve taken many, many tests obviously over the course of my career, and nothing like this has ever happened. I apologize to the Kraft family, my coaches, teammates and fans. As this matter is being appealed, I can’t say any more but no matter what, I will be ready to play and pursue another championship with our team and for Patriots fans around the world.”

Edelman, 32, will miss the Patriots’ first four regular-season games. He would be permitted to participate in training camp practices and preseason games.

The Jewish Pro Bowler missed all of last season after suffering a knee injury in the preseason. Edelman, one of quarterback Tom Brady’s favorite targets, is entering his 10th season.

He has caught as many as 105 passes in a season, played in three Super Bowls, starred in a series of comedic videos and written a children’s book. In April, he was credited with helping to stop a potential school shooting by a Michigan teen. PJC

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