FB Rick Razzano played in one preseason game and was inactive for the Bucs' season opener
Rookie fullback Rick Razzano, a seventh-round draft choice of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, has been suspended by the NFL for four games for violating the NFL Policy on Anabolic Steroids & Related Substances.
Razzano has accepted responsibility for the actions that earned him the league suspension. He responded to Friday's announcement with the following statement:
"Before becoming a member of the Buccaneers, while training, I used a substance which has been tested and found to be in violation of the League policy. I take full responsibility for my mistake and encourage all athletes to be fully aware of all substances which may be prohibited by the NCAA or their respective sports and leagues. I apologize to my family, my coaches, teammates, the ownership and Buccaneer fans for the embarrassment and distraction I have caused. Let my experience be a further lesson for all."
The suspension begins immediately and he will not be eligible to play against the Buffalo Bills on Sunday, or in the succeeding games at Green Bay (Sept. 25), versus Detroit (Oct. 2) and at the New York Jets (Oct. 9). He can return to the team on Monday, October 10.
Razzano appeared in one preseason game and was inactive for the Buccaneers' season opener in Minnesota.
While Razzano is on the reserve/suspended list, he will not count against the Buccaneers' 53-man roster limit. That gave Tampa Bay an extra spot on the active roster, which they filled Friday by promoting first-year safety Kalvin Pearson from the practice squad. A former undrafted free agent with the Cleveland Browns, Pearson was among the Bucs' final cuts two weeks ago. He is considered a hard hitter on defense and a strong special teams player.
