ALLEN PARK, Mich. – Detroit Lions reserve linebacker Travis Lewis has been suspended for the final four regular-season games without pay by the NFL by violating the league's policy on performance-enhancing substances.
Lewis, a seventh-round pick in 2012 out of Oklahoma, has played in all 12 of the Lions' games, but strictly on special teams.
"I apologize to my coaches, teammates, the Lions organization and our fans for my actions," Lewis said in a statement released by the club. "I have let my team down and there's nothing worse than that.
"I will not make the same mistake again. I look forward to returning to the team after I serve my suspension."
Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press reported on Twitter that the drug Lewis tested positive for was Adderall, which is used to treat narcolepsy and attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD).
Lewis, listed at 6-foot-2, 222 pounds, will be eligible to return for the playoffs if the Lions advance.
"All NFL players know they are responsible for their actions," Lions general manager Martin Mayhew said, "and they also know there are consequences when their actions are not consistent with League policy.
"While we are disappointed that Travis violated League policy and will miss the next four games, we expect that Travis will learn from this experience and not repeat it."
To replace Lewis on the 53-man roster, the Lions signed linebacker Julian Stanford, who played in college at Wagner and spent last season with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
