Bucs LB Alexander accepts responsibility as he faces suspension

Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie linebacker Kwon Alexander plans to appear an expected four-game suspension for violating the NFL’s policy on performance-enhancing drugs, but he also takes responsibility for his actions.

Alexander, who is expecting to receive a letter from the NFL office on Monday, is blaming an “energy drink” he has been using since high school.

“It’s my fault,” Alexander told the Tampa Tribune after the Bucs’ 45-17 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday. “It’s very disappointing, and I’m just disappointed in myself because all (our coaches) keep saying, ‘If you’re going to drink something, ask somebody first.’ So I hold myself accountable.

“It was a surprise to me — I didn’t know what I took or anything. It was an energy drink. I didn’t know. I always took it, like in high school and everything. I’ve never been in any trouble or anything, so it’s very disappointing. I’m definitely going to appeal it, and whatever the (result of) the appeal process is, I’ll come back even stronger.”

Alexander, 21, tested positive for a banned substance during training camp, a source told the Tampa Tribune.

Alexander received national prominence earlier this month when he played with a heavy heart in the upset victory over the Atlanta Falcons on Nov. 1 — less than 48 hours after his 17-year-old brother was shot to death. In the game, he recorded a game-high 11 tackles, an interception and a fumble recovery.

Following the Bucs’ 23-20 overtime win over the Falcons and playing with all emotion, Alexander acknowledged the loss of his brother, Broderick Taylor II, who was killed during a fight in their hometown of Anniston, Ala.

The 6-foot-1, 227-pound Alexander, a fourth-round draft selection out of LSU, is Tampa Bay’s second-leading tackler with 73 after getting 10 tackles on Sunday. He also has two sacks, two interceptions and a fumble recovery this season.