Ray Buchanan, star player for the Atlanta Falcons and BEC recording artist, was suspended last Wednesday for four games for using steroids despite insisting he took them by mistake.

The league's suspension begins with the home opener Sunday against the Chicago Bears, a rare sellout for the team. Buchanan can have no contact with the Falcons during his suspension, which will last through the October 13 game against the New York Giants.

"Evidently, I took a supplement of some sort that had a steroid derivative in it,'' Buchanan said in a statement.

"Either way, it was my mistake, and I will serve my penalty. I would like to apologize to my teammates, the Falcons organization and the Atlanta Falcons fans. I will learn from this.''

Buchanan released his self-titled rap debut on BEC Recordings in July.