National Football League

Colts' Mathis blames PED suspension on male fertility drug

Published May. 17, 2014 5:11 a.m. ET

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The NFL dealt Indianapolis Colts outside linebacker Robert Mathis a four-game suspension for a failed PED test Friday, and NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reported that the substance was Clomid, a male fertility drug.

Mathis released a statement through Rapoport.

"€œIt is difficult for me to address the circumstances surrounding this suspension because they involve very personal medical information, but it is very important to me that my fans, particularly young people, understand what did and did not occur,"€ Mathis'€™ statement says.

"€œLike many families, my wife and I faced fertility challenges, and I sought medical assistance. I specifically asked the doctor if the medication he prescribed for me would present a problem for NFL drug testing, and unfortunately, he incorrectly told me that it would not. I made the mistake of not calling the NFL or NFLPA to double check before I took the medication at the end of last season."

Mathis also said that he worked with the union to show his medical records and appeal the suspension, but his request was denied.

Concerning the veracity of his statement, Mathis also revealed that his wife is in fact pregnant with their second child.

Mathis'€™s suspension is a big hit for the Colts, as he recorded 59 tackles and a career-high 19.5 sacks last season.

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