Edelman on suspension: 'I'm definitely accountable for that'

FOXBORO — Coach Bill Belichick said "we’re all disappointed" on the eve of training camp when asked about the four-game suspension Julian Edelman received from the NFL for violating its policy on performance-enhancing substance.

Edelman, speaking publicly for the first time since news of his suspension broke June 7, echoed that sentiment Saturday following the third practice of camp, while taking full responsibility for his actions.

"You know, it’s [...]

FOXBORO — Coach Bill Belichick said "we’re all disappointed" on the eve of training camp when asked about the four-game suspension Julian Edelman received from the NFL for violating its policy on performance-enhancing substance.

Edelman, speaking publicly for the first time since news of his suspension broke June 7, echoed that sentiment Saturday following the third practice of camp, while taking full responsibility for his actions.

“You know, it’s disappointing with the penalty and the findings,” a contrite Edelman said. “I’m definitely accountable for that. Ultimately my focus is going out and just trying to work my knee and get better each day.

“It was tough last year watching your team go out and play great football without you. It’s exciting to get back out here and play with them, so, you know.”

Edelman missed all last season after tearing the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee in a preseason game Aug. 25 at Detroit.

The 10th-year receiver is allowed to participate in training camp and the preseason, but can’t have any contact with the Patriots beginning Sept. 1. He’ll miss the first four games — against the Houston Texans, Jacksonville Jaguars, Detroit Lions and Miami Dolphins — before being allowed to rejoin the team Oct. 1.

Edelman appealed his suspension June 25 based on what he claimed were mistakes in testing and other processes, but an arbitrator sided with the league on July 4.

Edelman could have elected to fight the suspension in federal court, as quarterback Tom Brady did before he missed the first four games of the 2014 season for his role in Deflategate, but opted not to do so.

“Obviously you’re disappointed with it, but I have to follow the protocols a little better and make sure this never happens again,” Edelman said. “I’m accountable for my actions and ultimately my focus now is getting my knee right.”

Edelman said in a statement he didn’t “know what happened” when news of the suspension first broke. Asked if he’s now aware of what went wrong — so he wouldn’t make the same mistake twice — he twice declined to go there.

“You know what, that’s in the past and I’m just moving forward,” Edelman said. “I already addressed it. You guys know me — short memory. So I’m done with it.

“I mean it’s NFL policy not to even talk about it, so you guys know how that goes,” he then noted.

Edelman is one of many Patriots who receive treatment from personal trainer and Brady business partner Alex Guerrero. Hours after it was learned Edelman was facing a suspension, Guerrero, a controversial figure for his holistic methods, defended himself and his methods.

Speculation has since swirled that may have led to a rift in the longtime relationship between Edelman and Guerrero. Edelman played down any issues between the two.

“You know, what’s in the past is in the past,” he said. “I love Alex and ultimately I’m worried about just going out here and playing football. I’m not here to talk about and make a headline about something. I’m just here playing football buddy.”

Meanwhile, a few feet away Brady was asked if Edelman’s suspension was related to Guerrero and he abruptly ended his first press conference of camp.

“I have no comment,” Brady said. “That’s just ridiculous. I’m out.”

As for Edelman, he made it clear he’s glad to be back on the field — for the time being — and focusing on football. It’s been so far, so good, although he wouldn’t commit to being all the way back health-wise.

“There are some things that feel great and some things that I need to work on and that’s why you have training camp,” Edelman said. “It’s to go out here and especially for me to go out and develop my fundamentals again and learn how to cut on my knee right and go out and work on the strengthening of that. Building confidence through constant repetition and that’s where I’m at.

“I tell you I feel great right now and I don’t know how tomorrow feels. You know how it goes. I mean, it was a major surgery and we all know that. I’m confident enough to go out and compete and that’s the exciting thing about it.”

But when it comes to his suspension, Edelman and the rest of the Patriots are only disappointed.