INDIANAPOLIS — Mistakes happen, and for Robert Turbin, he's decided to own up to one of his.
The Indianapolis Colts running back today announced that he has tested positive for a banned substance under the league's Performance Enhancing Substances policies. The league has since announced that Turbin has been suspended the first four games of the 2018 regular season.
In a statement issued by Turbin on his Twitter account, the seventh-year veteran apologized to his family, Colts fans, his teammates and friends:
The statement reads, in full:
"To my Family, Fans, Teammates and Friends,
Today it will be made public, that a urine sample I provided to the NFL has resulted in a positive test of a banned substance under league policy with regards to Performance Enhancing Substances. It absolutely kills me that I allowed this to happen. It has always been a priority in my life to display a high level of leadership both on and off the field. I strive to be a person that people can look up to and strive to exemplify the definition of hard work. Unfortunately, I have made a mistake. A mistake that will not only have personal consequences, but will affect the Colts organization, an organization that I am extremely appreciative to be a part of. For that, I am truly sorry.
It is important to me to recognize those that may not be mentioned in the opening of this letter. I want to apologize to all the relationships that I have built over my life and professional career. To all the people and the communities that I love to share my time with, that are near and dear to me, my sincerest apology. I am hopeful that this one lapse in judgement will not damage my relationships with all of you.
Informing you all before the media is a huge priority for me. It is always essential for me to take ownership in any mistakes that I have made. My hope is that through my mistake, we can continue to shine light on the importance of doing things the right way. I will continue to work diligently on correcting my error, assuring that this will never happen again. I will utilize this negative experience in my life by educating and informing others, with the hopes others will not put themselves in a similar situation.
I want to thank all those that have supported me and will continue to support me in my personal and professional endeavors.
Thank you,
Turbo"
The 28-year-old Turbin spent most of the Colts' offseason workout program as the team's top running back with the theoretical "first-team" offense.
Turbin had carved quite a niche with the Indianapolis offense the last two seasons, becoming a dependable third-down option as both a runner — he was the NFL's best at converting 3rd-and-1 situations into first downs the last couple years — and as a pass protector. Turbin has been looking to come back strong from a season-ending wrist injury suffered Week 6 against the Tennessee Titans.
Should Turbin face a suspension to start the 2018 season, the Colts will turn to other options to carry the load at running back. Second-year back Marlon Mack, who underwent shoulder surgery this offseason, could make his on-field return during training camp, while the team also used two draft picks this year on running backs in Nyheim Hines (fourth round) and Jordan Wilkins (fifth round).
Veterans Christine Michael (sixth year) and Josh Ferguson (third year) are also vying for jobs in the Indy backfield during training camp and the preseason.
