Solt Reportedly to Appeal Steroid Suspension

Eagles guard Ron Solt plans to contest a 30-day suspension imposed after he tested positive for steroids, according to a teammate.

The All-Pro guard was among 13 NFL players suspended Tuesday because of positive test results for the muscle-enhancing drug. He will miss the Eagles’ final exhibition game and the first three of the season.

Coach Buddy Ryan said Tuesday that he thought Solt once used steroids to help recuperate from knee surgery, but the coach said he was surprised that Solt tested positive during training camp.

Backup quarterback Matt Cavanaugh said Solt plans to contest the suspension.

NFL spokesman Jim Heffernan said that if Solt or a representative for the player “has some information that he feels they want to present to the commissioner, they’re welcome to do it.” Spokesman Joe Browne said players appealing could get a meeting with Commissioner Pete Rozelle.

Solt’s agent, Tom Toner, said Solt will appeal if it is determined that he took steroids to help his rehabilitation.

“There’s something odd there because I have no knowledge of Ron taking any kind of drug,” Toner said. “It wasn’t that long ago that he had his last surgery, and maybe he took some things in his rehabilitation that would have some effect on the testing.”