Ben Watson explains on his Facebook page that he's facing a four-game suspension

Ben Watson will serve a four-game suspension to start the 2019 season.

Watson announced the suspension for taking a banned substance in a lengthy Facebook post:

"As the days and weeks of the 2018 football season passed, I was certain that it would be my last. Injuries and health concerns, including a random bout with appendicitis the last week of the season confirmed my decision, and as I walked off the field for my last time, I had no plans to return. Over the following months, I started actively pursing other career opportunities. After every season during my playing career, I visit with a few doctors for health screenings. During these times we identify the cumulative effects of injuries, stressors, and exertion on my health and formulate an offseason plan for recovery. As a professional athlete for the last 15 years I know very well the limitations on what can be prescribed for my overall health. After my contract expired last March I told my doctors I was finished playing, went through a series of medical tests and was prescribed Bio Identical Testosterone Cypionate to assist in healing my body and mind.

"On March 29, nine days after I started therapy, I was randomly tested under our substance policies. I complied out of habit, never thinking in that moment I'd want to come back. In late April, some clubs expressed interest in me playing and after much deliberation and prayer, I decided I wanted to return. Considering myself previously retired, I had forgotten all about my test in March until I got a letter on May 3rd saying my results were positive. I was devastated and for obvious reasons did not want to proceed. At that point I knew that my decision to return to play would include a four game suspension and I immediately discussed this new development with the clubs.

"Ultimately I decided to pursue another year and on May 9 the Patriots offered me a contract in spite of these circumstances. I am excited and thankful to return to New England but very disappointed that I will not be able to play and contribute immediately. This is not how I would want to enter a new locker room and attempt to earn my role on a new team. However, I respect the regulations that have been collectively bargained to promote fairness on the field of play and accept the discipline associated with my infraction. My goals as an athlete, teammate, friend, father, husband and believer have not changed. To live a life of integrity and humility while standing for kindness, justice and righteousness and to serve the people in the cities, regions and organizations that God places me in. Until my last day I will continue to pursue excellence in my craft and perform to the best of my ability. I am grateful for yet another opportunity to do so in the NFL."

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Watson signed with the Patriots earlier this month, returning to the team that drafted him in the first round of the 2004 NFL draft. After playing his first six seasons in New England, Watson spent portions of his next eight seasons playing for the Cleveland Browns, New Orleans Saints and Baltimore Ravens.

The tight end position remains in flux for the Patriots. Rob Gronkowski decided to retire in late March. New England signed Austin Seferian-Jenkins and Matt LaCosse, but also traded Jacob Hollister to the Seattle Seahawks and released Dwayne Allen. The Patriots didn't use any of their 10 draft selections on a tight end, but signed former Texas Longhorns tight end Andrew Beck as a rookie free agent.

The 38-year-old Watson caught 35 passes for 400 yards and two touchdowns — including Drew Brees' 500th career touchdown pass — last season for the Saints.

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