Carolina Panthers linebacker Thomas Davis was set to call the 2018 NFL season his last in the league. Unfortunately, he will have to wait until after the first month to get it started.

It goes without saying that the NFL has a strict policy against its players using performance-enhancing substances. Davis is among those that have been caught and, as a result, announced on Twitter he will be serving a four-game suspension:

“I was completely caught off guard by this,” he said. “I've never in any way done anything to try to intentionally cheat the game. I've taken the same supplements for the last seven or eight years and never had any issues … been tested numerous times over the years while taking the same stuff.

Davis went on discuss the nature of his suspension while pleading his case as a clean player.

“Unfortunately, this is some of the things that happen when you take supplements. I've never tested positive for steroids or HGH. This is not one of those situations. It ended up being an estrogen blocker that triggered a positive test for me. I just want you guys to know that in no way would I ever do anything to cheat this game or try to create a competitive advantage over anybody.”

His comments may be taken with a grain of salt to some. However, one look at Davis' track record and it is understandable that it could have simply just been a mistake on his part.

The former 12th overall pick in the 2005 NFL Draft has been the gold standard when it comes to players that exemplify excellence both on and off the field. Not only is he a three-time Pro Bowler, but he was also named the 2014 Walter Payton Man of the Year for his philanthropy efforts. Furthermore, this is the first instance he has had with PEDs in his 13-year career.

Regardless, the Panthers are now left without their defensive captain for the first four games of next season.