Ingram 'vigorously challenges' ban, says he used permissible substance

New Orleans Saints running back Mark Ingram released a strong statement of denial Wednesday following the suspension he received Tuesday for violating the league's performance-enhancing drug policy.

Ingram's agents said their client "vigorously challenges" his four-game ban and stated that the substance flagged in his sample was "permissible with the proper use exception from the NFL."

A statement from suspended #Saints RB Mark Ingram, who is "vigorously" challenging the positive test result through the arbitration process. pic.twitter.com/GuoFzNLVAT

- Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) May 9, 2018

Ingram and the Saints reportedly knew of the veteran's looming punishment prior to the draft and have already lost an appeal. Ingram is waiting for an arbitrator to release a full written report - due by May 16 - that explains why the appeal was denied before his camp can explore further options, the NFL confirmed to ESPN's Mike Triplett.

The 28-year-old had a career year in 2017, forming a dominant duo with rookie Alvin Kamara and logging his second-straight 1,000-yard season.

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