Jermaine Cunningham #96 of the New England Patriots chases Ryan Fitzpatrick #14 of the Buffalo Bills in the second half at Gillette Stadium on November 11, 2012 in Foxboro, Massachusetts.

The NFL announced on Monday that New England Patriots DE Jermaine Cunningham has been suspended by the league for a violation of the drug policy.

Here's the release from the NFL:

Jermaine Cunningham of the New England Patriots has been suspended without pay for four games for violating the NFL policy on performance enhancing substances.

Cunningham’s suspension begins immediately. He will be eligible to return to the Patriots' active roster on Monday, December 24 following the team’s December 23 game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

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photo credit: getty images