Julian Edelman Facing Four-Game Suspension
New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman is facing a four-game suspension for using performance enhancing substances, according to ESPN.
The suspension for violating the NFL’s policy on PEDs is currently under appeal. According to ESPN, Julian Edelman’s people are protesting that this is his first positive test after “hundredsâ€.
If the suspension is upheld, Julian Edelman would lose $470,588.20 from his base salary. He would miss New England’s opening games against Houston, at Jacksonville, at Detroit and home against Miami.
The 32 year old Edelman missed the entirety of last season due to an ACL tear. He has been preparing for his 10th NFL season with the Patriots’ offseason program and organised team activities.
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To recover from his injury, Edelman has been working with Tom Brady’s trainer, Alex Guerrero. In light of the recent allegations against Edelman, Guerrero issued a statement.
“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,” he said.
Taking into account the losses of Brandin Cooks and Danny Amendola, Edelman’s suspension would be a blow for the Patriots.
New England’s receiving corps consists of Jordan Matthews, Cordarrelle Patterson, Chris Hogan, Malcolm Mitchell, Kenny Britt, Phillip Dorsett and sixth-round draft pick Braxton Berrios.
Although it is difficult to win these types of appeals, there is some hope for Edelman. Cornerback Richard Sherman won his appeal during the 2012 season while with the Seattle Seahawks.
