Colts LB is suspended four games

INDIANAPOLIS — NFL sacks champion Robert Mathis admits he made a mistake late last season.

Now it's going to cost him — four games and four paychecks.

The Colts' career sacks leader was suspended Friday after violating the league's ban on performance-enhancing substances. What he tested positive for remains a mystery but the linebacker said in a statement he was seeking fertility assistance. He acknowledged that he and his wife are expecting.

"I am deeply saddened that this situation will prevent me from contributing to my team for four games, and I regret that I didn't cross check what my doctor told me before I took the medication, " Mathis said.

Mathis said commissioner Roger Goodell denied his request to not issue a suspension based on the circumstances. If the NFL's decision stands, and they almost always do, Mathis would not be eligible to rejoin the Colts until Sept. 29. He is allowed to participate in the team's offseason workouts, training camp and preseason games.

PANTHERS: A Mecklenburg County Sheriff's spokeswoman says defensive end Greg Hardy turned over 10 guns to police as part of a court order. Julia Rush says all the guns surrendered Friday were legal under state statutes. A license is not needed to own a gun in North Carolina, only a permit to purchase and carry a concealed weapon. The guns were an assortment of semi-automatic rifles and .12-gauge shotguns. The 25-year-old Hardy, tagged as Carolina's franchise player this season, voluntarily surrendered the weapons. Hardy was arrested Tuesday for assaulting a woman and communicating threats. He was released Wednesday on $17,000 bond. As part of his bond agreement he was ordered to turn over all weapons he owns or has access to. His next court date is June 27.

Rams: The Oprah Winfrey Network announced Friday that its Michael Sam documentary series has been postponed. The defensive end from Missouri is first openly gay player to be drafted by an NFL team.

saints: Draft picks Vinnie Sunseri, Ronald Powell and Tavon Rooks signed four-year contracts. Powell, a 6-foot-3, 237-pound outside linebacker from Florida, was a fifth-round pick. He played in 11 games last season, making 26 tackles, including a team-high four sacks.