December 3, 2002  

 STATEMENT BY AN NFL SPOKESPERSON:

Julius Peppers of the Carolina Panthers has been suspended for the final four regular-season games of 2002 for violating the NFL Policy on Anabolic Steroids and Related Substances.

Peppers’ suspension begins immediately. 

Peppers, who ranks third in the NFL and leads all rookies with 12 sacks, is eligible to play in the 2003 AFC-NFC Pro Bowl on February 2 in Honolulu, Hawaii.

[Note: The NFL Policy on Anabolic Steroids and Related Substances is posted on nflmedia.com. From the home page, click on "About the NFL" and then "NFL Policies."