Antonio Gates Suspended: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know

(Getty)

(Getty)

San Diego Chargers veteran tight end Antonio Gates has been suspended by the NFL for the first four games of the season after violating the league’s PED policy. The team announced the news Thursday afternoon.

Here’s everything you need to know about the 35-year-old and five-time All-Pro.


1. He Says He Has ‘Never Taken Any Substance That Was Illegal’

(Getty)

(Getty)

Considering Gates has been a model citizen both on and off the field throughout his 13-year career, this news comes as quite the shock. Following the announcement, he made a statement pleading his innocence:


2. He Is the NFL’s Active Leader in Receiving Touchdowns

A future Hall-of-Famer, Gates has been one of the most dominant receiving tight ends in the league for more than a decade, racking up 99 touchdowns in 179 games. He is ninth all-time in receiving touchdowns and first among active players, 10 ahead of Larry Fitzgerald.

Even as his athleticism has diminished, he has remained a dangerous red-zone threat. In 2014, he found pay-dirt 12 times, tying him with Rob Gronkowski and Julius Thomas for the lead among tight ends.

This is a big loss for the Chargers, who will be without Gates against the Detroit Lions, Cincinnati Bengals, Minnesota Vikings and Cleveland Browns. He will be eligible to return October 12 against the Pittsburgh Steelers.


3. He Wasn’t the Only High-Profile Player Suspended

New York Jets dominant defensive lineman Sheldon Richardson was also handed a suspension by the NFL today. (Getty)

New York Jets dominant defensive lineman Sheldon Richardson was also handed a suspension by the NFL today. (Getty)

On a day dominated by NBA free agency, Roger Goodell brought down the hammer, doling out suspensions to New York Jets defensive lineman Sheldon Richardson (four games), Dallas Cowboys linebacker Rolando McClain (four games) and Green Bay Packers defensive end Datone Jones (one game).

ESPN’s Adam Schefter put it best:


4. His Backup is Ladarius Green

Fantasy football players likely know the name Ladarius Green, a popular sleeper last year who tallied only 19 receptions for 226 yards. Still, the Louisiana-Lafayette product is big, fast and a dangerous receiving threat. With Gates sidelined, he’ll get the opportunity to flash his talent.

Wide receivers Keenan Allen, Malcom Floyd and new signing Stevie Johnson will also see more targets as a result.


5. Gates Has Missed 4 Games in the Last 4 Years

(Getty)

(Getty)

Not many players in NFL history have displayed the kind of longevity that Gates has in his 13-year career. Over that span, he has played 179 regular-season games and missed just 13. This will mark only the second time in his career he will miss at least four games in a single season.