Charlotte, NC (My Sportsbook) - Carolina Panthers rookie defensive end Julius Peppers, the NFL's current leader in sacks this season, tested positive for an over-the-counter banned substance, and has been suspended for four games by the National Football League.

Peppers, who has 10 sacks and one interception, has appealed the suspension and is eligible to keep playing while the appeal is pending. The Panthers (3-6), who have lost six straight games, play at Tampa Bay on Sunday.

Suspension hearings are normally held on Tuesday's. If the suspension is upheld next week, Peppers would be forced to begin serving it immediately. He would lose $235,000 in pay and not be eligible to return until the next to last game of the season against Chicago.

The 22-year-old Peppers was an All-America at North Carolina, and after he decided to leave after his junior year, the Panthers selected him with the No. 2 overall pick in the draft.

Panthers defensive tackle Brentson Buckner is currently serving a four-game suspension for taking a dietary supplement, which violated the same league policy.