Patriots Ben Watson Facing Suspension
On Sunday, New England tight end Ben Watson posted on Facebook that he will be suspended for four games due to failing a test in March for the substance policy of the NFL.
Ben Watson, who was planning to retire following last season, explained on Facebook in detail the situation. The tight end said that after his contract had expired in March he told his doctors he was no longer going to play football and went through a battery of medical tests.
Following the tests Watson said he was prescribed BITC or Bio Identical Testosterone Cypionate. He took BITC to assist in healing his mind and body.
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Just nine days into his therapy, on March 29, Watson said he was given a random test under the NFL substance policy. He complied never thinking at the time he might return to play again.
However, Watson added, in April clubs expressed an interest in him playing. Following much prayer and deliberation Watson said he decided he would return to play.
Ben Watson wrote that on May 3 he received notice that he had failed the test. He said he knew at that time his decision to return to the NFL would include a suspension of four games and discussed that with the teams that had expressed interest in him returning to play.
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On May 9, Watson signed a one year contract for $3 million with the Patriots.
New England is going through a transition stage at tight end following the retirement of long-time player Rob Gronkowski. As a result, the top option to fill the void left by Gronk’s departure is Watson.
Watson will be playing his 15th NFL season this fall. Last season with New Orleans, Watson caught 35 passes for 400 yards with a pair of touchdowns.
