by By ANDREW GROSS, STAFF WRITER, North Jersey Media Group , Herald News

The NFL announced Thursday that Pace had been suspended without pay for the first four regular-season games for violating the league?s policy on performance-enhancing substances.

"This is a situation that resulted from an over-the-counter dietary supplement that contained a substance that I did not know violated the league?s policy," Pace said in a statement released by the Jets . "I am responsible for what I put into my body and I should have paid closer attention to the league?s guidelines. I regret that this has happened and apologize to my teammates, the entire Jets organization as well as the fans."

The 6-foot-4, 270-pounder set career highs with seven sacks and four fumble recoveries in his first season with the Jets after leaving the Cardinals for a reported six-year, $42 million with $20 million in guaranteed money, and is eligible to return to practice on Oct. 5 and play in the Jets ? Monday night game at Miami on Oct. 12.

Pace, 28, can participate in training camp and the four preseason games.

"We respect the league?s decision and look forward to Calvin?s return," the Jets said in a statement.

Without Pace available, the 6-3, 264-pound Gholston should compete for a starting spot. The sixth-overall pick out of Ohio State recorded just 13 tackles and no sacks in 15 games despite being coveted by the Jets for his pass-rushing ability.

Gholston?s development was stunted after he missed a significant portion of last year?s off-season workouts because he was still finishing his college courses.

But when Ryan was introduced Jan. 22, he compared Gholston with Ravens All-Pro linebacker Terrell Suggs ? also considered a bust early in his career ? and confidently said he could turn Gholston into a productive player.

And Ryan was complimentary of Gholston?s performance in the team?s off-season activities and minicamp.

"He realizes now that this is it," Ryan said June 3. "Turn it loose. We all know he?s fast, we all know he?s strong. He?s all that kind of stuff. Now let?s see it on the field. I think he?s starting to show that. [Defensive coordinator] Mike Pettine is doing a great job working with him on playing the run. He?s knocking guys back."

Regardless of how Gholston responds to the challenge, losing Pace will be a blow to the Jets ? defense, which last season ranked seventh in the NFL with 41.0 sacks.

The Jets have AFC East rival New England as well as the Titans, a playoff team in 2008, among their first four games and Pace was a quick starter last season with 2.5 sacks in the first four weeks.

BRIEF: The Panthers claimed rookie tight end Andrew Davie off waivers from the Jets .

E-mail: grossa@northjersey.com

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