Patriots star Julian Edelman facing suspension for PEDs - report
The New England Patriots’ turbulent offseason might be about to take a turn for the worse.
Wide receiver Julian Edelman is facing a four-game suspension for violating the NFL’s policy on performance-enhancing substances, ESPN reported Thursday, citing “league sources.” The banned substance wasn’t identified.
The report said Edelman’s case is under appeal.
A source told ESPN that the 32-year-old wideout has never tested positive until now after taking “hundreds of tests.”
Edelman missed the entire 2017 season after tearing his ACL during a preseason game.
He has been on the field during the team’s OTAs and participated in 7-on-7 and 11-on-11 drills Tuesday, according to the Patriots’ website.
“Anytime you get to go out and see the fellas and play with them and talk with them and be in the huddle and look at guys and participate in drills — I mean, that’s what you play the game for, ultimately,” Edelman said after practice. “It was tough to watch it all on the sideline last year and to come out here and just to do little things, strap on the helmet, puts in perspective how lucky you are to get to play the game
If the suspension holds, he will miss New England’s first four games, when they play the Texans, Jaguars, Lions and Dolphins.
Edelman also would forfeit $470,588.20 in base salary.
Although NFL players rarely win appeals of PED violations, the Seahawks’ Richard Sherman was successful in 2012.
Edelman is entering his 10th season with the Patriots and has long been one of Tom Brady’s favorite receivers.
Over his career, he has caught 425 passes for 4,540 yards and 24 touchdowns. He specializes in making key third-down conversions.
Danny Amendola, who helped to fill the Edelman role last year, signed with the Miami Dolphins in the offseason.
The Patriots drafted former Miami Hurricane Braxton Berrios in April as a possible replacement.
New England’s other wide receivers are Chris Hogan, Phillip Dorsett, Jordan Matthews, Kenny Britt, Cordarrelle Patterson, Malcolm Mitchell, Riley McCarron, Cody Hollister and Matthew Slater.
The Patriots have faced several troubling issues this offseason, from Brady’s disgruntlement to guard Joe Thuney’s injury.
Truth and Accuracy
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism. Read our editorial standards.
Advertise with The Western Journal and reach millions of highly engaged readers, while supporting our work. Advertise Today.
