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Panthers' Davis tests positive for banned substance, will miss first four games of 2018

Panthers linebacker Thomas Davis will miss the first four games of the upcoming NFL season after testing positive for a banned substance.

Davis, who announced that this will be his final season, issued an apology to fans through social media. He tested positive for estrogen blockers.

He is entering his 14th season with the Panthers.

"This is by far one of the saddest days of my NFL career," Davis said. "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."

Davis is a three-time NFL Pro Bowl player and won the NFL Walter Payton Man of the Year award in 2014.

Last season, Davis accumulated 80 tackles with 2.5 sacks.