Buccaneers' Alexander to appeal suspension for PED violation

Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie linebacker Kwon Alexander plans to appeal his four-game suspension for violating the NFL's policy on performance-enhancing drugs, but accepts full responsibility for his actions.

"It's my fault," Alexander said after Sunday's 45-17 win over the Philadelphia Eagles, according to Ira Kaufman and Roy Cummings of the Tampa Tribune. "It's very disappointing, and I'm just disappointed in myself because all (our coaches) keep saying, 'If you’re going to drink something, ask somebody first.' So I hold myself accountable."

Alexander, a fourth-round pick out of LSU, was permitted to play Sunday because he hadn't officially been notified of his suspension yet. He suspects the violation relates to an energy drink he's used since he was in high school.

"I've never been in any trouble or anything, so it's very disappointing," he said. "I'm definitely going to appeal it, and whatever the (result of) the appeal process is, I'll come back even stronger."

Alexander has been an integral part of the Bucs' defense this season, which makes his loss potentially damaging for a team sitting just one game out of the NFC playoff race. He ranks second on the team with 73 tackles and has two sacks, two interceptions, and a fumble recovery.