NEW YORK -- Defensive tackle Josh Evans worked out with the New York Jets on Friday but refused to talk about a report that he tested positive for marijuana and could face an indefinite suspension from the NFL.

Evans was among 80 players on the practice field at the Jets training camp at Hofstra University, participating in offseason team activity.

The New York Times said three persons familiar with his situation confirmed the positive test and said Evans has appealed the finding with the league. He won a similar appeal last year.

"I did not use or smoke marijuana," Evans told The Times on Thursday night. "I didn't smoke. I didn't use marijuana in no type of way."

The NFL and the Jets declined to comment on Evans' situation, citing confidentiality issues. Evans also wouldn't talk as he left the field.

Evans was suspended twice by the league for violating its substance-abuse policy during six seasons he spent with the Tennessee Titans. He missed the first four games in 1999 and was suspended for all of the 2000 season.

Because of those suspensions, Evans is subject to random testing 10 times each month. Last summer, he faced an indefinite suspension for a positive test, even as he was negotiating a free agent contract with the Jets.

NFL executive vice president Jeff Pash upheld Evans' appeal of that suspension and two weeks later the tackle signed with the Jets for $750,000. He enjoyed a standout season in New York, recording a career-high six sacks, second best on the team, and 58 tackles, 47 solo.

His solid play led the Jets to pick up a $3 million option on March 1, adding three years to his contract.

Evans' agent, Mitch Frankel of Boca Raton, Fla., did not return two phone calls from The Associated Press on Friday.

The league maintains a four-step regimen for substance abuse cases. The first level is enrollment in a treatment program. Repeat offenders face a four-game suspension, then a minimum one-year suspension and finally an indefinite suspension with the length determined by commissioner Paul Tagliabue in consultation with program doctors.

Cornerback Dale Carter of the New Orleans Saints, a four-time Pro Bowl choice and Rookie of the Year in 1992, sat out the 2000 season and was reinstated for 2001. He violated the policy again and was suspended indefinitely last July, only months after signing a seven-year, $28 million contract with the Saints. He was reinstated in November after missing eight games.

Defensive tackle Leon Lett of the Dallas Cowboys was suspended indefinitely before the 1999 season and then reinstated Nov. 8. He also missed eight games.

Two-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Darrell Russell of the Oakland Raiders was suspended for the 2002 season and remains barred from the league.