BY NICK ST. DENIS
There was a buzz surrounding Dion Jordan's bulkier frame during Miami Dolphins OTAs this offseason.
Now, there's a buzz surrounding how he may have gotten bulkier.
The NFL announced Thursday Jordan is suspended for the first four games of the 2014 season for violating the league's policy on performance enhancing substances, though the second-year defensive end claims he tested positive for stimulants.
Per league policy, the NFL can't disclose the specifics of a positive test except to say what the suspension will be and whether the player did in fact test positive for a banned substance.
“I recently learned from the NFL that I tested positive for stimulants that are banned under the NFL policy," Jordan said in a statement released by the team. "I worked carefully with my advisors and the union to investigate the test results, and I take full responsibility for the test results.
"I’m very sorry for the impact of this situation on my teammates, coaches, Stephen Ross, the entire Dolphins organization, fans and my family as well. I will continue to work extremely hard during training camp and preseason. During the suspension, I will stay in top shape and will be ready to contribute upon my return."
Jordan will be able to return to the game day field Week 6 against the Green Bay Packers. He can return to practice the Monday after the Dolphins' Week 4 bout with the Oakland Raiders.
“We were disappointed to learn about Dion’s suspension," Dolphins coach Joe Philbin said. "Dion has accepted responsibility for his actions and is committed to improving, both on and off the field, in preparation for the upcoming year.”
As ProFootballTalk points out, Jordan will give up more than $800,000 due to the suspension through salary and signing bonus money.
The only silver lining for the team is that, despite trading up to No. 3 overall in last year's draft to take the Oregon product, Jordan doesn't see the field all that much--at least he didn't last season.
