Minnesota Vikings

Vikings LB Brothers suspended four games for PED use

Published Apr. 20, 2018 4:01 p.m. ET

EAGAN, Minn. --Minnesota Vikings linebacker Kentrell Brothers has been suspended for the first four games of the regular season for violating the NFL's performance-enhancing substances policy.

"I have been informed by the NFL that I will face a four-game suspension for PED use," Brothers said in a statement. "While it was not my intention to violate any league policies, I understand that it is up to me to be aware of what goes into my body, and I take full responsibility for that. I sincerely apologize to the Vikings organization, my teammates and our fans for my mistake. I take my job as a professional seriously and will continue to support my teammates during this time."

The league announced the punishment Friday for Brothers, who will remain eligible for practices and games in the offseason and preseason before having to sit out. He can rejoin the active roster on Sept. 28, the day after Minnesota's fourth game. He can play on Oct. 7 when the Vikings take on Philadelphia.

Brothers was a fifth-round draft pick by the Vikings in 2016 out of Missouri. He has played only sparingly on defense. But he was second on the team in 2017 with 16 special teams tackles.