"Jets linebacker Calvin Pace has been suspended without pay for the team's first four regular-season games of 2009 for violating the NFL policy on performance enhancing substances.

According to an NFL spokesperson, Pace's suspension begins Saturday, Sept. 5. He is eligible to return to the Jets' active roster on Oct. 5 following the team's Oct. 4 game against the New Orleans Saints.

Pace is eligible to participate in all preseason practices and games.

"This is a situation that resulted from an over-the-counter dietary supplement that contained a substance that I did not know violated the League's policy," Pace said in a statement released by the Jets. "I am responsible for what I put into my body and I should have paid closer attention to the League's guidelines."