Jets’ suspended LB Calvin Pace was unaware dietary supplement became banned by NFL

Jets’ suspended Pace not “trying to cheat system”

CORTLAND, N.Y. — Calvin Pace took a dietary supplement he had taken on several occasions during his career. The New York Jets linebacker wasn’t aware that this time, it was on the NFL’s list of banned substances.

Pace was suspended earlier this month for four games without pay for violating the league’s policy on performance-enhancing substances.

“I made a mistake and it’s just my bad,” Pace said Thursday as players reported for training camp. “People know I’m not out here trying to cheat the system. I’m not out here trying to get an edge on anybody. I take supplements to try to keep my weight up.”

Pace, in his first public comments since being suspended, said he was alerted at the end of last season that he had tested positive for a performance-enhancing substance. He sent in the supplements he took to the league, but still lost his appeal.

“It was a workout supplement that I had previously taken, but our banned substances list changes from time to time and I lapsed,” he said. “I take full responsibility for it. I just have to stay up on it and kind of be current with what’s banned and what’s not banned.”

Pace wouldn’t specifically identify what he took, saying only: “Just a workout supplement, something that you can get at any GNC.”

Pace will be eligible to return for the Monday night game at Miami on Oct. 12. In his second season with the Jets, Pace is eligible to participate in preseason practices and games. The suspension begins Sept. 5 and he can return to practice Oct. 5, a day after New York’s game at New Orleans.

“I just have to take the punishment, man,” Pace said. “I’m not going to cry about it. When I come back for the last 12, I’ll do my thing.”

Pace started all 16 games at outside linebacker in Eric Mangini’s defense last season, and was expected to have a prominent role in new coach Rex Ryan’s aggressive 3-4 system. Ryan said second-year linebacker Vernon Gholston, who had a disappointing rookie season, will replace Pace in the starting rotation.

“It’s disappointing because I feel we have a chance to do some great things,” Pace said. “I let the team down for the simple fact that I’m plugged in to certain spots, so somebody else is going to have to step in. With all of that said, I don’t want my situation to be a distraction to what we’re trying to do, which is win games.”