Thomas Davis Apologizes After Being Suspended 4 Games for Failed PED Test

Carolina Panthers linebacker Thomas Davis announced Friday that the NFL has suspended him four games following a positive test for a banned substance.

"I was informed that I tested positive for a banned substance," Davis said in a heartfelt message on Twitter. "I was completely caught off guard by this. I've never in any way done anything to try to intentionally cheat the game. It's one of those situations where the NFL rules are clear. They state that you are responsible as a player for what you put in your body.

"I've taken the same supplements for the last seven or eight years and never had any issues. Been tested numerous times over the years while taking the same stuff. And you know, unfortunately, these are some of the things that happen when you take supplements. I've never tested positive for a steroid or HGH. It's not one of those situations. It ended up being an estrogen blocker that triggered a positive test for me." 

Davis, 35, also hinted that the 2018 season may not be his last even though he told NFL.com in January that it would be. 

A three-time Pro Bowler, Davis appeared in 15 of 16 regular-season games for the Panthers last season. His lone absence was the product of a one-game suspension for an illegal hit on Green Bay Packers wide receiver Davante Adams. 

The second-level stalwart finished the year with 76 total tackles and 2.5 sacks while playing 79.4 percent of the Panthers' defensive snaps, according to Pro Football Reference.