The Carolina Panthers announced that veteran DE Charles Johnson has been suspended four games for violating the NFL policy on performance-enhancing substances.
Here’s the statement from the NFL:
“Charles Johnson of the Carolina Panthers has been suspended without pay for the team’s next four games for violating the NFL policy on performance-enhancing substances. Johnson’s suspension begins immediately. He will be eligible to return to the Panthers’ active roster on Monday, December 25 following the team’s December 24 game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.”
Johnson also released a statement:
“I accept full responsibility. I have been recovering from back surgery, dealing with the daily grind of football and mistakenly thought this could help. It was an error in judgment on my part. We have a special group here I wanted to be a part of and felt an obligation to do my part by getting back as soon as possible. I have always prided myself on being a person who does things the right way through hard work, dedication and sacrifice. I want to apologize to my team, Mr. Richardson and Panthers fans for this mistake. Regretfully I have disappointed people, but I promise to come back ready to redeem myself when this suspension is over.”
Johnson, 31, is a former third-round pick of the Panthers back in 2007. He returned to the Panthers this past March on a two-year, $8 million contract that included $2.5 million guaranteed.
Johnson stands to make a base salary of $1 million for the 2017 season to go along with $2.25 million in 2018 and a $1 million roster bonus.
In 2017, Johnson has appeared in 11 games for the Panthers and recorded 16 tackles, no sacks and a pass defense.
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