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This is why a quiet offseason isn't so bad. The San Diego Chargers star tight end violated the NFL's performance enhancing drug policy and will be suspended for four games. Unlike conduct violations, drug suspensions are well codified and standardized under the CBA.
His first game back will be against the Steelers on October 5. Gates denied he intentionally took banned substances, claiming they were holistic medicines and said via NFL.com, "I have never knowingly ingested a substance that was banned by the NFL."
The Chargers have had a chaotic offseason amid rumors the team could move to Los Angeles. On a recent job listing for a tax manager, the team listed as a requirement the willingness to move to L.A. The Chargers are also on the verge of losing several key players after the 2015 season, and there have been reports of a disgruntled locker room under head coach Mike McCoy.
While Antonio Gates will have served his suspension by the time the Steelers game rolls around, this is certainly an unwelcome distraction for a team already beleaguered by drama.