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Seahawks' Irvin banned for drug violation 
18/05/2013 at 06:55Updated 18/05/2013 at 07:01

Seattle Seahawks defensive end Bruce Irvin has been suspended for the first four games of the 2013 season for violating the NFL's policy on performance enhancing substances, the league said on Friday.

Irvin, who had eight sacks last season after being drafted 15th overall by Seattle in 2012, will be eligible to return to the Seahawks' active roster on Sept. 30, the National Football League (NFL) said in a statement.

"I want to apologize to my team-mates, coaches and Seahawks fans for making a mistake when I took a substance that is prohibited in the NFL without a medical exemption," Irvin said in a statement.

"I am extremely disappointed in the poor judgment I showed and take full responsibility for my actions."

Irvin, who said he would not appeal the suspension, is eligible to participate in all off-season and preseason practices and games.
