Antonio Gates
IN PHOTO: Dec 14, 2014; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers tight end Antonio Gates (85) scores on a 5-are pass from quarterback Phillip Rivers during the fourth quarter against the Denver Broncos at Qualcomm Stadium. The Chargers lost 22-10. REUTERS/Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports

San Diego Chargers tight Antonio Gates has been suspended by the NFL for four games for violating the league’s policy on performance-enhancing substances.

As per ESPN, Gates said in a statement that while he takes full responsibility for his actions, he said that he took supplements in the offseason but did not know that he was taking a banned substance.

"I take full responsibility for my actions," Gates said in the official statement. "I'd like to express my sincere apologies to the Chargers, my teammates, coaches, fans and the league who have always supported me and expected and gotten nothing but the highest level of integrity from me."

"In my 12 years in the NFL, I have taken tremendous pride in upholding the integrity of the NFL shield and all that it entails," Gates added. "I have taken extreme care of my body with a holistic approach and never taken any substance that was illegal or banned by the NFL.”

The 35-year-old Gates, who is not expected to appeal the suspension, will be allowed to return to San Diego’s roster after their Week 4 games against the Cleveland Browns. He will be allowed to join the Chargers’ offseason and preseason activities.

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