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FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. -- Atlanta Falcons cornerback Ray Buchanan was suspended for four games Wednesday after he tested positive for anabolic steroids.
Buchanan, a Pro Bowler in 1998, has 27 interceptions over the last five years, more than any other player in the NFL.
Falcons coach Dan Reeves said he learned last week from the league that Buchanan, a 10-year veteran, may have tested positive for steroids.
The suspension begins with Sunday's home opener against the Chicago Bears. Buchanan can have no contact with the team during his suspension.
"No question that's a blow to our team,'' Reeves said. "We'll try to win football games with the people we have.''
Buchanan issued a statement saying he was guilty of an "inadvertent mistake.''
"Evidently, I took a supplement of some sort that had a steroid derivative in it,'' he said. "Either way, it was my mistake, and I will serve my penalty. I would like to apologize to my teammates, the Falcons organization and the Atlanta Falcons fans. I will learn from this.''
The 30-year-old Buchanan led the team with five interceptions last season and has 43 in his career.
Buchanan, a third-round draft pick by Indianapolis in 1993, re-signed with the Falcons last year. He received a six-year, $36-million contract that included a team-record $8 million signing bonus.
The Falcons signed cornerback Rodney Heath, recently cut by Carolina, to replace Buchanan on the roster.
Juran Bolden, who is questionable for Sunday's game because of an injury, will start for Buchanan if he's able to play.
Buchanan, a Pro Bowler in 1998, has 27 interceptions over the last five years, more than any other player in the NFL.
Falcons coach Dan Reeves said he learned last week from the league that Buchanan, a 10-year veteran, may have tested positive for steroids.
The suspension begins with Sunday's home opener against the Chicago Bears. Buchanan can have no contact with the team during his suspension.
"No question that's a blow to our team,'' Reeves said. "We'll try to win football games with the people we have.''
Buchanan issued a statement saying he was guilty of an "inadvertent mistake.''
"Evidently, I took a supplement of some sort that had a steroid derivative in it,'' he said. "Either way, it was my mistake, and I will serve my penalty. I would like to apologize to my teammates, the Falcons organization and the Atlanta Falcons fans. I will learn from this.''
The 30-year-old Buchanan led the team with five interceptions last season and has 43 in his career.
Buchanan, a third-round draft pick by Indianapolis in 1993, re-signed with the Falcons last year. He received a six-year, $36-million contract that included a team-record $8 million signing bonus.
The Falcons signed cornerback Rodney Heath, recently cut by Carolina, to replace Buchanan on the roster.
Juran Bolden, who is questionable for Sunday's game because of an injury, will start for Buchanan if he's able to play.
