Von Miller doesn't believe he has let down the Denver Broncos.
Facing a four-game suspension for violating league policy, the 2011 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year told reporters Wednesday that he plans to respect the appeals process and move forward with football.
"I don't think I let my teammates down," Miller said. "Everybody has tough moments."
NFL.com's Ian Rapoport reported that Miller's appeal is expected to be heard in mid-August, according to a person informed of the timetable, although an exact date hasn't been set. However, the mid-August timetable means a decision before the season begins.
Miller confirmed to reporters that the NFL Players Association's statement Monday -- stating that the linebacker's case does not involve the Steroids and Related Substances Policy -- was accurate. But he avoided all discussion surrounding the finer details of the possible punishment.
When one reporter asked, "Is marijuana a part of your life?" Miller shot back: "Absolutely not."
With Miller's appeal still pending, the Broncos and their fans now must wait to learn what the linebacker's status will be for the start of the 2013 season -- by all accounts a campaign with Super Bowl aspirations.
It's been an ugly summer for the Broncos, with Miller's incident bubbling up after the team suspended two top personnel executives, Matt Russell and Tom Heckert, for DUI arrests. Those losses strip talent from the front office, but Miller's potential absence cuts deep into the heart of a Denver defense that won't be the same without him.
Follow Marc Sessler on Twitter @MarcSesslerNFL.
