Mark Ingram opens up about impending four game suspension

Between his impending four game suspension and the perceived narrative of an off-season holdout, Mark Ingram has grabbed more headlines than any other New Orleans Saints player over the past month.

That brings us to day one of mandatory mini-camp where the veteran running back is back with the team for the first time since this whole saga began.

As far as his teammates are concerned, Ingram doesn’t appear to be much of a distraction at all with Drew Brees even complimenting the former Heisman trophy winner on showing up to camp in good shape.

Coming off his best year as a pro, Ingram is actively seeking a new deal, but says that wasn’t the reason he was training down in South Florida during OTAs.

As for violating the league’s policy on performance-enhancing drugs, Ingram remains tight-lipped about the matter which he addressed publicly for the first time today. “I don’t agree with it, but I’m going to serve my suspension and I’m going to be ready to go when it’s time. So hopefully we’re 4-0 when I come back, it’s going to be tough but I’ll be okay. I’m moving forward, not looking back and I’ll be ready to go when it’s time to play.”

Brees said, “I loved his presence on the field, too. And I know he’s been training hard, working hard, preparing himself for the season, so it was great to have him back for this week. Certainly hasn’t distracted me, I don’t think it’s distracted anybody really. So we’re not worried about Mark or his readiness to play when it’s time.”

Ingram’s four game suspension will kick in at the start of the regular season which means he’ll be allowed to be around the team for training camp and pre-season games.