Cleveland Browns cornerback Joe Haden returned to practice on Monday, and also apologized to his fans in "Haden Nation," according to ESPN Cleveland's Tony Grossi, for missing the Browns' last four games due to suspension.
"I hurt a lot of people. I hurt myself, for sure. I hurt a lot of people with the decision I made. I just want everybody to know I sincerely apologize from the bottom of my heart. It was a mistake. Everybody makes mistakes but my mistake hurt a lot more people than I thought."
Haden also confirmed that the suspension came as a result of a positive test for Adderall, which is normally used as a form of treatment for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder:
"I took Adderall and I shouldn't have and I got suspended and now I'm back."
According to an ESPN Cleveland source, Haden tried to avoid the suspension by arguing that the positive test should have fallen under the league's substance abuse policy, rather than in the performance-enhancement category. Had that been the case, he would have been admitted into the league's drug program in lieu of a suspension. However, the league overturned his appeal, stating that he didn't demonstrate a therapeutic need for Adderall.
Haden should be back on the field this Sunday for the 0-5 Browns, who will host the Cincinnati Bengals at 1 p.m. ET.