Seahawks DE Bruce Irvin suspended for first 4 games of regular season

SEATTLE — The Seattle Seahawks announced Friday that defensive end Bruce Irvin has been suspended without pay for the first four games of the 2013 regular season for violating the NFL policy on performance-enhancing substances.

Irvin will be eligible to return to the Seahawks' active roster on Sept. 30 following the team's Sept. 29 game against the Houston Texans.

According to officials with the team, Irvin is eligible to participate in all offseason and preseason practices and games.

After the announcement, Irvin released a statement:

"I want to apologize to my teammates, coaches and Seahawks fans for making a mistake when I took a substance that is prohibited in the NFL without a medical exemption. 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 is the sixth Seahawk to be suspended for performance-enhancing substances in the last 18 months. Winston Guy, Allen Barbre, Brandon Browner John Moffitt, and Richard Sherman was initially suspended, but upon appeal, it was rescinded.

Irvin was drafted in the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft by the Seahawks, and was 15^th overall.

KIRO