Arizona tight end suspended for doping

The NFL has suspended Arizona Cardinals tight end Ben Patrick four games for violating its substance abuse policy.

Patrick tested positive for the drug Adderall, which he has admitted to taking during Arizona’s bye week last season to stay awake for a drive from Flagstaff to Phoenix.

His agent, Kevin Omell, told the Arizona Republic earlier this week that Patrick admitted using the amphetamine, which is on the NFL’s list of banned substances.

He took one pill one time driving back from Flagstaff to keep him awake, Omell told the newspaper. It was a completely honest mistake and he’s really remorseful.

Patrick, a seventh-round pick in the 2007 NFL Draft, will be allowed to take part in pre-season games, but is banned from the team’s facility starting on Sept. 5 and will not be able to interact with team personnel until Oct. 12.

Last season, he caught 11 passes for 104 yards and added a touchdown catch in the Super Bowl loss to Pittsburgh.