BRADY HENDERSON

Seahawks’ Bruce Irvin suspended four games by NFL

May 17, 2013, 1:34 PM | Updated: May 18, 2013, 1:24 pm

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By Brady Henderson

The NFL has suspended Seahawks defensive end Bruce Irvin four games for violating the league’s policy on performance-enhancing substances.

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Bruce Irvin

The NFL made the announcement Friday. Irvin has waived his right to appeal the suspension, making him eligible to return to the roster on Monday, Sept. 30, a day after the Seahawks’ Week 4 game against Houston. Irvin will also miss games against Carolina, San Francisco and Jacksonville. He’s eligible to participate in the team’s offseason activities and preseason games.

Irvin issued a statement through the team in which he apologized to his teammates, coaches and Seahawks fans and said he made a mistake by taking a substance that is prohibited without a medical exemption. The league does not divulge which substances trigger positive tests.

“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’s statement read, in part.

Irvin, Seattle’s first-round pick in 2012, led all rookies in sacks last season with eight while playing mainly as a situational pass-rusher. His role was expected to expand this season with the Seahawks facing the possibility of having to begin the year without their best pass rusher, Chris Clemons, who’s recovering from reconstructive knee surgery.

Ian Rapoport, a reporter for the NFL Network, tweeted Friday that the Seahawks knew Irvin’s suspension was a possibility before the start of free agency, which would further explain why they added pass-rushers Cliff Avril and Michael Bennett.

Irvin becomes the fifth Seahawk since 2011 to be suspended for violating the league’s performance-enhancing substance policy. Allen Barbre, John Moffitt, Winston Guy and Brandon Browner are the others. Richard Sherman had his suspension overturned on appeal.

He expressed remorse via Twitter Friday: “I messed up and I feel so bad and have been depressed for weeks now. I’ve had sleepless nights because I knew when this came out, I would let so many people down, including myself. I have worked so hard to rebuild my image and it takes another blow.”

Related: Irvin’s suspension is a reality check for the Seahawks.

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