Denver Broncos placekicker, Matt Prater, has been suspended by the NFL for the first four games of the season for violating the league's substance abuse policy. According to the Denver Post, the suspension is alcohol-related. Prater has been in the league's alcohol program since Aug. 12, 2011, when he was charged with driving under the influence.
Prater, considered by some to be the best kicker in the NFL, was remorseful after learning of the suspension. "I've made some mistakes," said Prater. "I'm accepting full responsibility. I'll learn from it and come back a better person. I want to apologize to my teammates, my coaches, the Broncos' organization and the fans."
An appeal is not likely, as the suspension was agreed upon by the NFL and Prater's attorney.
Prater was named to his first Pro Bowl last season as he converted on 25 of his 26 field goal attempts. The UCF product also broke the NFL record for longest field goal last season when he booted through a 64-yard attempt. However, Prater had missed two of his four attempts in the preseason.
The Broncos backup kicker is rookie Mitch Ewald, but the Broncos may look to sign a veteran to replace Prater during his suspension, notes the the AP.