AROUND THE NFL

Chargers’ TE Gates suspended 4 games

SAN DIEGO

San Diego Chargers tight end Antonio Gates was suspended without pay Thursday for the first four games of the 2015 season for violating the NFL’s policy on performance-enhancing substances.

The NFL said in a statement that Gates can participate in training camp and preseason games. He will be able to return to the active roster on Oct. 5, a day after the Chargers’ game against the Cleveland Browns.

Gates issued a statement through the team apologizing to the Chargers, his coaches, his teammates and the fans.

“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,” Gate said. “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. In an effort to recover from a long season and although I was unaware at the time, I regret to confirm that I tested positive for a substance that is currently on the NFL banned substance list.”

A statement from the Chargers said the team will continue to support Gates and is confident he will be ready to play when he returns in Week 5. “We are tremendously disappointed for our team and our fans as well as Antonio, but no more disappointed than Antonio is with himself,” the statement said.

Cowboys’ McClain to miss first 4 games

IRVING, Texas

Cowboys linebacker Rolando McClain has been suspended for the first four games for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy.

The league said in a statement Thursday that McClain would be suspended without pay and eligible to return for Dallas’ Week 5 game against New England.

Jets’ Richardson violates substance abuse policy

NEW YORK

New York Jets defensive lineman Sheldon Richardson has been suspended without pay for the first four games of the regular season on Thursday for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy.

Richardson will be eligible to return to the Jets’ active roster on Monday, Oct. 5 after the team’s Oct. 4 game against the AFC East rival Miami Dolphins.

“I apologize for letting down my family, teammates, this organization and the fans,” Richardson said in a statement.

“However, words aren’t enough. This is something that can only be addressed by how I handle myself from this point on. I don’t want this to take away from what the team is trying to accomplish. While I won’t be there at the start of the regular season, I will do whatever I can to support my teammates until I’m able to return to the field.”

“This is disappointing for Sheldon and the team,” Bowles said in a statement. “We’re going to support Sheldon and welcome him back upon his return. We will keep moving forward with our preparations for the upcoming season.”

Charlie Sanders, HOF TE, dies at age 68

DETROIT

Hall of Fame tight end Charlie Sanders, who spent 43 years with the Detroit Lions as a player, coach, scout and broadcaster, has died after battling cancer. He was 68

Lions spokesman Matt Barnhart said the team confirmed through family members his death Thursday in a suburb of Detroit.

Sanders caught 336 passes for 4,817 yards and had 31 touchdowns in a 10-year playing career that began in 1968. He returned to Detroit in 1983 as a radio broadcaster, a job he held until joining the coaching staff in 1989.