NEW ORLEANS -- Mark Ingram's representatives say that the Saints' Pro-Bowl running back did not take performance enhancing drugs and is fighting his suspension.
His representatives said that an arbitrator's ruling was still to come, however, ESPN's Mike Triplett reports that the NFL said it has already received a ruling from the arbitrator and that is why the penalty was announced.
According to a statement from Ingram's representatives, he tested positive for a substance "that was not a performance enhancing substance, nor an illegal substance, but a substance in fact permissible with the proper use exemption with the NFL."
The NFL announced Tuesday afternoon that Saints running back Mark Ingram would be suspended for the first 4 games of the 2018 season for violating the league's policy on performance enhancing drugs (PED's).
The NFL Network's Ian Rapoport says that Ingram has not been around the team's facility and will not be there for OTA's.
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Ingram made the Pro Bowl after the 2017 season. He had 1.124 yards on 230 carries with 12 touchdowns during the season, a season in which he and Alvin Kamara split touches, Ingram with the power game and Kamara with the shiftiness and speed.
Ingram has played seven seasons for the Saints, amassing 5,362 yards and 44 touchdowns. The 2017 season was his most productive.
The full statement can be read below.
"At the end of the 2017 season, as a result of t he NFL mandated random drug test, Mark Ingram tested positive for a substance that was not a performance enhancing substance, nor an illegal substance, but a substance in fact permissible with the proper use exemption with the NFL. He has vigorously challenged the test results through the arbitration process. The arbitrator's Opinion is due on or before Wednesday, May 16. Upon having the opportunity to review the arbitrator's opinion, we will explore what further options are needed."