Hard-hitting safety Rodney Harrison of the New England Patriots has been suspended without pay for the first four games of the regular season for violating the NFL's policy on banned substances.

Harrison, 34, will be able to return to the Patriots on Oct. 2.

Rodney Harrison, seen warming up at training camp on July 30, will miss New England's first four regular season games.
(Winslow Townson/Associated Press)

"I did admit to the commissioner [Roger Goodell] that I did in fact use a banned substance," Harrison said in a media conference call on Friday night. "My purpose was never to gain a competitive edge. Rather, my use was solely for the purpose of accelerating the healing process of injuries I sustained while playing football.

"I want to make it clear," Harrison added, "that never once did I take steroids."

Although the banned substance was not named, as per league policy, both ESPN.com and the Boston Globe reported Harrison's meeting with Goodell came about after his name surfaced in a U.S. federal probe into the sale of human growth hormone and steroids.

Harrison joined New England in 2003 after nine seasons and two Pro Bowl appearances with the San Diego Chargers.

Harrison has played on two Super Bowl teams with the Patriots but in the last two years has missed significant time due to injuries to both knees, as well as his left shoulder.

In his career, he has recorded 32 interceptions during the regular season and six more in 10 playoff games. His 28.5 sacks are the most in NFL history by a defensive back.