Chargers Center Max Tuerk Gets 4-Game PED Suspension

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LOS ANGELES (AP) — Los Angeles Chargers center Max Tuerk was suspended Tuesday by the NFL for the first four games of the regular season for violating the league's policy on performance-enhancing substances.

Tuerk won't be eligible to return to the Chargers' active roster until Oct. 2, the day after the Chargers' Week 4 game against the Philadelphia Eagles. He can participate in all preseason practices and games.

Tuerk was a third-round pick in 2016 out of USC but has yet to play a regular-season game with the Chargers.

Tuerk said in a statement issued through the team that he had taken over the counter supplements during the offseason.

"In doing so, I opened myself up to the possibility of consuming a tainted supplement — something that ultimately led to a positive test for a banned substance," he said. "I accept responsibility for my actions and understand the NFL's policy is very clear on this matter. This is a very hard way to learn a lesson, and I will never make this mistake again."

The Chargers said the team supports the NFL's decision and is confident Tuerk understands what's expected of him going forward.