Former Iowa State LB Jake Knott violated NFL drug policy, suspended first four games of season

Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Jake Knott has been suspended for the first four games of the 2014 NFL season after violating the league’s drug policy.

Oct 6, 2013; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Philadelphia Eagles outside linebacker Jake Knott (54) prior to the game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim O

In a statement through the Eagles released on Friday (via The Des Moines Register), Knott took “full responsibility” and apologized to everyone for not being responsible.

"“Several weeks ago, I was shocked to learn that I tested positive for a stimulant that is banned by the NFL. I have never knowingly ingested a banned substance, but like most players, I take nutritional supplements. Unfortunately, I now know that supplements are not regulated and thus may contain things that are not listed on the label. The NFL policy is very strict, so I have chosen to take immediate responsibility. I look forward to participating in team workouts, training camp and the pre-season with my team. During the suspension, I will work extremely hard to stay in top football shape and be ready to contribute immediately upon my return. I sincerely apologize to my teammates, coaches, my family and fans for the impact of my mistake on the team.”"

The former Iowa State Cyclones standout apparently was taking a natural supplement that featured a stimulant the NFL has banned. Knowing who Knott is, this isn’t something that he would do on purpose, and there’s been many cases in the past where players unknowingly took a supplement that had banned substances.

It is on Knott for not knowing better and not taking responsibility to make sure what he was using was 100 percent legit. Hopefully he’ll learn from it and can make up for it in the games that he will play with the Eagles, who are expected to be a postseason threat next year.