Former Alabama linebacker apologizes for NFL suspension

New York Giants linebacker Ryan Anderson was suspended for six games in the NFL on Saturday, and the former Alabama star has now issued an apology via his agent. The NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero shared the statement Anderson’s agent released, via Twitter.

Anderson’s apology statement

Statement from #Giants LB Ryan Anderson’s agent, Chad Wiestling: pic.twitter.com/tgPAf1xwaP

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) August 28, 2021

“I was made aware of Ryan’s positive test of a banned substance prior to training camp and have worked with the league and NFLPA thru the process,” began Anderson’s agent, Chad Wiestling.

Wiestling’s statement continued with a clarification that Anderson took responsibility for his failed test but wanted to stress that it was not a performance-enhancing drug that caused him to fail.

“Ryan takes full responsibility for his mistake and apologizes to the New York Giants organization and their fan base. To be clear, the positive test was not for a performance-enhancing drug. Rather it was for a substance that is included on the NFL banned substance list. Nevertheless, Ryan acknowledges it is his responsibility to understand and control what goes into his body. Ryan will continue to prepare and be ready to play after week six.”

Former Alabama star linebacker’s NFL suspension

On Saturday, the New York Giants shared a statement from an NFL spokesperson on Anderson’s suspension.

“Ryan Anderson of the New York Giants has been suspended without pay for the first six games of the regular season for violating the NFL Policy and Program on Performance Enhancing Substances,” the statement read. “He will be able to participate in Sunday’s final preseason game.

“Anderson will be eligible to return to the Giants’ active roster on Monday, Oct. 18th, following the team’s Week 6 game vs. the Los Angeles Rams.”

After missing the beginning of training camp with a back injury, the Giants waived Anderson on Aug. 9. However, they brought him back the very next day, citing the release as a procedural matter related to his contract.

Drafted in the second round of the 2017 NFL draft, Anderson had played his entire career until this season with the Washington Football Team. In 52 games with the team, he recorded 86 tackles, five forced fumbles, 15 QB hits, and six sacks.

In college at Alabama, Anderson had a great relationship with then-Crimson Tide defensive coach, Jeremy Pruitt. This off-season, Anderson followed Pruitt to New York as Pruitt joined the Giants as a defensive assistant.

On3’s Stephen Samra contributed to this article.