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Posted at 12:21 p.m., Tuesday, November 6, 2007

NFL: Jags' Stroud suspended; Naeole done for season

Advertiser Staff

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Jacksonville Jaguars defensive tackle Marcus Stroud was suspended without pay by the NFL for four games today for violating the NFL's steroids and related substances policy.

Stroud, a three-time Pro Bowl lineman, admitted last week that he had taken supplements following offseason micro-fracture surgery on his right ankle.

He said he was no longer taking the supplements, adding that he didn't plan to appeal the league's suspension.

"I've been doing this for seven years," Stroud told WFXJ-AM radio in Jacksonville. "I don't have to take any of that stuff to get ahead to play on anything. I feel like I've got great God-given ability and it's just something that's misfortunate.

"Rules are rules, and I've got to abide by the rules like everybody else. If it was something that the NFL says is an illegal supplement or something I took, it's on me to know exactly what I'm putting in my body."

The Jaguars also placed guard Chris Naeole (quadriceps) on injured reserve and re-signed guard Tutan Reyes and linebackers Jorge Cordova and Roy Manning.

News of Stroud's impending suspension leaked last week, but Stroud continued to practice and even played at New Orleans while his 'B' sample was tested.

Stroud has 33 tackles, three sacks and nine quarterback pressures this season.

The Jaguars (5-3) expected the suspension. They even signed former Atlanta defensive tackle Grady Jackson to a one-year contract last week.

Today, Jacksonville placed Stroud and linebacker Justin Durant on the reserve/suspended list.

Durant was arrested early Saturday after deputies found him asleep behind the wheel near an exit ramp. He was cited for resisting arrest without violence and having an open alcohol container. He passed a field sobriety test.

Offensive tackle Richard Collier already was on the reserve/suspended list following his Saturday arrest. Collier was charged with driving under the influence after deputies found him asleep behind the wheel at a McDonald's drive-thru window.

Stroud will miss games at Tennessee, against San Diego, against Buffalo and at Indianapolis — all AFC contests that could determine whether Jacksonville makes the playoffs.

He will be eligible to return to practice and the team's facility Dec. 3, six days before the Jaguars host Carolina.