Suspended Broncos kicker Matt Prater: 'I screwed up'

Denver Broncos kicker Matt Prater apologized for his four-game suspension for violating the NFL substance-abuse policy.

Prater tested positive for alcohol. He had a previous arrest for driving under the influence.

"I take full responsibility for what's happened and I'm accountable for it," Prater said. "It's no one's fault but my own and I am dealing with it."

What happened?

“Why did I risk it? I just made a mistake," Prater said. "I don't have an excuse for it, I screwed up, and now I'm paying the price for it.

“I'm definitely going to make some changes in my life. Not drink at all or risk doing anything stupid like that. Keep myself out of certain situations like not go to places where people are drinking."

"In this case, he’s part of our family," Broncos coach John Fox said. "He’s one of ours, and we’re going to support him through this."

Prater said he knows he's wrong.

"I'm really sorry," he said. "I've made mistakes, and I hope to gain everyone's trust back, and I'm going to work my tail off to try to help us win a championship this year."

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Aaron Wilson covers the Ravens for The Baltimore SUn

Aaron Wilson
Aaron Wilson covers the NFL for National Football Post, his second stint at the Post. He has previously written for Pro Football Talk and FOX Sports-Scout. Entering his 13th year covering the Baltimore Ravens, he's a beat writer for The Baltimore Sun. Wilson has also covered the Jacksonville Jaguars and Tennessee Titans.

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