
NEW YORK (AP) - Jets running back Jesse Chatman was suspended without pay by the NFL on Saturday for the team's first four regular-season games for violating the league's steroids and related-substances policy.
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Chatman, who signed with the Jets as a free agent in March, is eligible to rejoin the team Sept. 29, a day after New York's game against Arizona.
"It's always disappointing, but it's a program that the league has set up and something that I understand and Jesse understands the consequences of," coach Eric Mangini said. "Jesse has had a very good training camp and really punctuated it with his game against the Eagles. He's disappointed and so am I, but I look forward to him being able to come back and contribute."
Chatman had 180 total yards and scored the go-ahead touchdown for the Jets in their 27-20 victory at Philadelphia on Thursday night. He ran 29 times for 93 yards and caught six passes for 87 yards, and led the team with 164 yards rushing in the preseason.
"I respect the program the league has in place and it's very clear that if there's a violation, there are consequences," Mangini said. "My experience with Jesse since he's been a New York Jet has been extremely positive. I think he's done everything we've asked him to do."
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Author:Fox Sports
Author's Website:http://www.foxsports.com
Added: August 30, 2008