Panthers lineman Ziemba banned four games for alleged PED use

Charlotte, NC, United States (4E Sports) – Carolina Panthers offensive lineman Lee Ziemba has decided not to appeal the four-game suspension for testing positive for a banned stimulant.

Ziemba, who is on injured reserve following surgery in August, explained that he unknowingly ingested a performance-enhancing substance. He learned of the positive text in mid-September, a month after suffering a torn lateral meniscus in training camp.

“I was extremely confused and upset when I was informed of this result since I have never knowingly ingested any performance-enhancing substance,” Ziemba said in a statement. “My training regimen has included supplements that I carefully chose and believed to be free from any prohibited substance under the NFL/NFLPA policies.

“After extensive discussions and careful consideration of the terms of the NFL/NFLPA policies, I have chosen to be immediately accountable for the situation,” added Ziemba, who did not disclose the substance in his statement.

The four-game suspension will cost Ziemba a fourth of his salary or about $116,250.

Ziemba was not the first Panthers’ player to violate the league’s PED policy this year. Defensive tackle Andre Neblett tested positive during the offseason and was suspended for the first four games of the season.

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