Brandon Spikes Suspended Four Games

As first reported today by the Boston Herald and later confirmed by NESN, Patriots rookie linebacker Brandon Spikes has been suspended by the NFL for four games -- the remainder of New England's regular season -- due to the use of a banned substance. It has been a successful but controversial first season in the league for Spikes, who had an illicit sex tape flood the internet at the beginning of the season.

While some reports are claiming the detected drugs to be steroids, Spikes issued the following statement in response to the breaking story.

"I've been contacted by the NFL and informed that I will be suspended four games for the detection of an illegal substance in a drug test. The substance was a medication that I should have gotten clarification on before taking. It was not a performance-enhancer or an illegal drug. The integrity of the game is very important to me. I understand the league's ruling and apologize to my teammates, the fans and the Patriots organization for this mistake."

Spikes has 61 tackles through his first 12 NFL games, including a monstrous 16-tackle performance in New England's Week 6 victory over the Baltimore Ravens. The suspension will definitely take its toll on this defense and the Patriots' hopes of securing the top seed in the AFC. Like they always have, though, Bill Belichick and his coaching staff will look to find a replacement to step up and do his job in the system.