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According to an official statement from the player himself, New York Jets defensive end Sheldon Richardson has been suspended for the first four games of the 2015 NFL season. Richardson is being punished by the league for violating the the NFL Policy and Program for Substances of Abuse.
Barring a successful appeal, this means Richardson won't be eligible to play for the Jets in their Week 3 matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles. This is a significant loss for the Jets. The 24-year-old Richardson is a former first round pick who was named AP NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2013 before being named to the Pro Bowl for his performance last season. Richardson is one of the best 3-4 defensive ends in the league.
The Eagles and Jets are scheduled to play on Sunday, Sept. 27 at 1:00 PM in New York East Rutherford, New Jersey. The game will be aired on FOX.