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(JTA) — New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman responded to reports that he violated the NFL’s policy on performance-enhancing drugs with an apology.

Edelman is appealing the four-game suspension for the violation, which first was reported on Thursday by ESPN.

“I am very sorry — I don’t know what happened,” Edelman wrote on Instagram on Friday. “I’ve taken many, many tests obviously over the course of my career, and nothing like this has ever happened. I apologize to the Kraft family, my coaches, teammates and fans. As this matter is being appealed, I can’t say anymore but no matter what, I will be ready to play and pursue another championship with our team and for Patriots fans around the world.”

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Edelman will miss the Patriots’ first four regular-season games against the Houston Texans, the Jacksonville Jaguars, the Detroit Lions and the Miami Dolphins. He would still be permitted to participate in training camp practices and preseason games.

Edelman, 32, missed all of last season after suffering a knee injury in the preseason. The Jewish Pro Bowler, one of quarterback Tom Brady’s favorite targets, is entering his 10th season.

He has caught as many as 105 passes in a season, played in three Super Bowls, starred in a series of comedic videos and written a children’s book. In April, he was credited with helping to stop a potential school shooting by a Michigan teen.

Contact Alyssa Fisher at fisher@forward.com or on Twitter, @alyssalfisher

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