Former Georgia linebacker Thomas Davis announces he will serve NFL’s 4-game suspension

Carolina Panthers linebacker Thomas Davis, who was set to play his final NFL season in 2018, will be facing a four-game suspension from the NFL for a violation of the league’s performance-enhancing drug policy. Davis, who played at the University of Georgia, said in a video message he posted on Twitter that he would serve the four-game suspension.

“I’ve tested positive for a banned substance,” Davis said. “I was completely caught off guard by this. I’ve never in any way tried to intentionally cheat the game.”

You can see Davis’ full statement below.

This is by far one of the saddest days of my NFL career. I never thought that this would happen to me. I’ve worked extremely hard to do things the right way on and off the field. Panther Nation please know that I am not a cheater. #KeepPounding pic.twitter.com/zUppMfm6yk
— Thomas Davis (@ThomasDavisSDTM) April 6, 2018

Davis added that he has taken the substances for the past “seven or eight years.” He added that he’s never tested positive for HGH or steroids and said that it was an estrogen blocker for which he tested positive.

Davis also added at the end of his lengthy Twitter message that he would be open to the possibility of returning for another season.

The former Bulldogs linebacker was a first-round pick in the 2005 NFL Draft. In his time at Georgia, Davis was a two-time All-SEC selection, making the second team in 2003 and the first team in 2004.

He has spent his entire NFL career with the Carolina Panthers and will be entering his 13th season with the team. He’s battled countless injuries, including three ACL tears. Davis is a three-time Pro Bowl selection and was an All-Pro selection in 2015. Along with Luke Kuechly, Davis forms one of the best linebacker duos in the NFL.