FOXBORO, MASS. (WHDH) - New England Patriots star wide receiver Julian Edelman is reportedly facing a suspension for violating the NFL’s performance-enhancing drug policy.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports Edelman faces a four-game suspension that would go into effect at the start of the 2018 season.
The 32-year-old is coming off major knee surgery. He missed all of the 2017 season after tearing his ACL in a preseason game in August.
A Patriots spokesperson tells 7News that the team is “aware” of the report but not commenting on the matter at this time.
Edelman will appeal the suspension, according to Schefter.
If the suspension is upheld, Edelman would miss games against Houston, Jacksonville, Detroit and Miami.
Trainer Alex Guerrero, who has worked with Edelman in the past, released a statement on the reports, saying:
“I’ve known Julian since his rookie year and he is a phenomenal athlete who takes his training seriously—it’s disappointing to hear today’s news. Elite athletes sometimes work with multiple coaches and health professionals as part of their off-season training.”
“Here at our facility, we take a natural, holistic, appropriate and, above all, legal approach to training and recovery for all of our clients. And anyone who would suggest otherwise is irresponsible, and just plain wrong.”
Schefter noted that Edelman has taken hundreds of tests in the past but never tested positive.
Patriots first 4 games:
vs. Texans
@ Jacksonville
@ Detroit
vs. MiamiIf Edelman’s PED suspension is upheld he’ll miss those game and forfeit nearly $500,000 in salary.
— Trey Daerr 🟦🇨🇿 (@TreyDaerr) June 7, 2018
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