Doug Martin was a surprising healthy scratch in last weekend's lo s at New Orleans. The Buccaneers running back was then excused from Wednesday's practice, but Bucs coach Dirk Koetter did not give a reason why.That was provided later in the day by Martin, who said he is stepping away to enter a drug treatment facility."I was notified last week of a four-game suspension for violating the leagues drug policy," Martin said in a statement. "My initial instinct was to appeal the suspension and finish the season with my teammates. However, after numerous Tim Brown Jersey discu sions with people close to me including Coach Koetter I am starting the suspension immediately so I can enter a treatment facility and receive the help I truly need."On the field, I must be strong and determined to push through both pain and injuries to become an elite NFL running back. Off the field, I have tried that same approach in my personal life. My shortcomings in this area have taught me both that I cannot win these personal battles alone and that there is no shame in asking for help."I sincerely apologize to the Glazer family, General Manager Jason Licht and the entire Tampa Bay organization, my teammates and our tremendous fans. This was Marcus Allen Jersey not the season I envisioned and I have let everyone down, including myself. However, adversity yields opportunity and I ask for your support in my battle to overcome these personal i sues."MORE: Week 17 NFL Power RankingsMartin had a breakout rookie season with 1,454 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns in 2012, but injuries hampered him in 2013 and 2014. He bounced back for his second Pro Bowl season last year with 1,402 yards and six scores. He inked a five-year,$35.75 million contract last spring to remain in Tampa. A hamstring injury this year limited Martin to eight games.Koetter defended his decision to bench Martin in the 31-24 lo s to the Saints, saying he was "trying to put the Bucs in the best position to win games" and Martin did not best fit into the team's game plan.Martin still has the support of his teammates, including wide receiver Mike Evans and quarterback Jameis Winston."Doug's a great player," Evans said Wednesday, via the Tampa Bay Times. EJ Manuel Jersey "I don't know what he did, but I'm sure he'll come back strong next year."Winston said he wants to support his friend.WEEK 17 PICKS: Straight up | Against the spread"I know we've got a great franchise back in Doug Martin. I'm not worried about his situation," Winston said before Wednesday's practice. "I can't speak on that. We've got a lot of players that weren't able to play for us this NaVorro Bowman Jersey year, whether it was an injury or a coach's decision. At the end of the day, we've got to find a way to make it happen. That's what I'm concerned about ... I can only do my part to Doug and be there, be his friend, be his teammate and be his quarterback and just check in on him. But everything that's beyond my reach, I can't control."Jacquizz Rodgers is expected to again start at running back for the Bucs (8-7), who have an outside shot at making the playoffs, in Sunday's regular-season finale against the Panthers.
