Peterson apologizes for suspension while hosting charity event

Arizona Cardinals cornerback Patrick Peterson made a statement on his six-game suspension for violating the league's performance-enhancing drug policy while hosting an annual charity event for his foundation mere hours after the ban was announced.

Patrick Peterson's statement on his six-game suspension before his foundation's event Thursday night. pic.twitter.com/3gb4U3FotR

- Josh Weinfuss (@joshweinfuss) May 17, 2019

The eight-time Pro Bowler and three-time All-Pro apologized but didn't provide an explanation for how he tested positive.

"I think you guys understand my character and ... my commitment on and off the field and also to my teammates and the Arizona Cardinals organization. That's why this is very, very hard for me because I obviously have never been in this situation before and never wanted to have my name attached to anything like this," Peterson said.

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported that Peterson drew a six-game suspension rather than the standard four-game ban because of the use of a masking agent to attempt to manipulate the test.

Peterson also said he's looking forward to returning to the field in Week 7.

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