Jets' Herndon On Suspension: 'I Made A Mistake, And I Have To Deal With The Consequences'

Chris Herndon #89 of the New York Jets reacts after scoring a touchdown against the Green Bay Packers
Photo credit Sarah Stier/Getty Images

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Chris Herndon knows he messed up.

“I made a mistake," the Jets tight end told reporters on the first day of training camp Thursday in Florham Park, New Jersey. "And I have to deal with the consequences.” 

Chris Herndon on his four-game suspension: “It definitely sucks.” Acknowledges he made a mistake (drunk driving) and must deal with consequences. Won’t say if he’s appealing. #Jets pic.twitter.com/a0OZ3fYZ7s

— Rich Cimini (@RichCimini) July 25, 2019

Herndon was suspended four games to begin the season for violating the league's substance-abuse policy. The 23-year-old was arrested after his involvement in a car crash in June 2018. Police charged Herndon with driving while intoxicated. He pleaded guilty to the charge Jan. 9. 

Herndon will miss the team's home opener against the Buffalo Bills. He also won't play against the upstart Browns, the division rival Patriots or the Philadelphia Eagles. He's likely to be reinstated in Week 6 against the Cowboys, meaning he'd miss a decent amount of time before returning to the field.

"I mean, it definitely sucks, but it's something I have to deal with," Herndon said. "It's just part of what comes with the incident. I'm just going to keep preparing."

Herndon reportedly didn't give any indication whether he'd appeal the league's decision, but the Jets are prepared to move forward in his absence. The team signed former Texans tight end Ryan Griffin on Tuesday. 

Herndon had 39 receptions for 502 yards with four touchdowns during his rookie season with the Jets. He is being looked upon as one of quarterback Sam Darnold's top targets in a revamped offense under new coach Adam Gase.