Carolina Panthers: Thomas Davis to serve four-game suspension

Carolina Panthers veteran linebacker Thomas Davis was hit with a four-game suspension for testing positive for a banned substance.

When thinking of the Carolina Panthers there are a few players that stand out as stalwarts in the organization. Kevin Greene, John Kasay, Jake Delhomme, DeAngelo Williams and a few others are on the list. Thomas Davis is also a legend for the organization but he was hit with a career low point as news broke that he will be suspended the first four games on the 2018 season due to testing positive for a banned performance-enhancing drug.

Davis took to social media to talk about the situation and what was found in his system.

“This is by far one of the saddest days of my NFL career,” Davis said in a message posted on Twitter. “I never thought that this would happen to me. I’ve worked extremely hard to do things the right way on and off the field. Panther Nation please know that I am not a cheater…I was completely caught off guard by this. I’ve never done anything to try to intentionally cheat the game. I’ve taken the same supplements for the last seven or eight years and never had any issues.”

When looking at Davis’s career, this moment is certainly a black eye on what has been a career about overcoming obstacles. Since joining the NFL in 2005, Davis has been recognized for not only his ability on the field, but the work he’s done off the field as well. During this time he’s overcome three serious knee injuries.

From 2009-11 he only played in nine games after he suffered multiple knee injuries. Still, he found a way to preserve; solidifying himself as a hero on this team. He returned to play in 2013 and put up career high numbers across board. Eventually, he and Luke Kuechly would form one of the most dangerous linebacker corps in the league.  In 2014 his charity work off of the field earned him the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award.

During the 2017 season, Davis’s role on the Panthers defense was diminished to create an opportunity for Shaq Thompson to grow into his role as the eventual replacement. At the end of the season he announced that the upcoming year would be his last in professional football. But, during his apology video Davis hinted at the idea that he could continue playing.

“In no way would I ever do anything to cheat this game or try to create a competitive advantage,” Davis said. “My conscience is clear in this situation. I’m going to serve this four game suspension and I’ll be ready to get back out there with my teammates. And who knows, maybe this won’t be my last year.”

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The 2018 NFL schedule has yet to be announced. Davis usually starts, but that should change this season as Thompson will see more playing time. Thompson’s contract option was exercised through 2019 and expectations are that he and the team will reach a new, long-term deal. Fourth-year player, David Mayo, may be used to fill in the void for Davis during the defense’s 4-3 set ups to cover as the weak side linebacker.