Patriots rookie linebacker Brandon Spikes tested positive for performance enhancers because of amphetamines contained in a medicine used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, Comcast SportsNet New England reported Saturday, citing a source.
The NFL announced Friday that it had suspended Spikes for four games without pay for violating its policy on performance-enhancing substances. The league didn't reveal what Spikes tested positive for, and the linebacker said in a statement that "the substance was a medication that I should have gotten clarification on before taking," adding that it wasn't a performance enhancer or an illegal drug.
Spikes can rejoin the Patriots' active roster Monday, Jan. 3, meaning he'll be eligible for any playoff games should New England make it.
