Suspended NFL Safety Claims His Offseason Supplements Were Contaminated
Veteran NFL safety Tashaun Gipson isn't accepting his six-game suspension from the league over performance-enhancing drugs without telling his side of the story.
Gipson, 33, released a statement Monday, claiming his innocence of ever taking PEDs after the league decided to suspend the 12-year veteran this offseason, without giving much insight into Gipson's case.
The former Pro Bowl player took to social media to defend himself. According to the ex-49ers safety, Gipson naively took a contaminated supplement that fell against the NFL's guidelines on performance-enhancing substances.
SANTA CLARA, CA - JANUARY 28: Tashaun Gipson Sr. #31 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates after the NFC Championship NFL football game against the Detroit Lions at Levi's Stadium on January 28, 2024 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images)
Gipson posted, "During this offseason I took a supplement one time, which I thought to be completely safe and well within any of the NFL's policies. It was in no way related to performance, training, or gaining an advantage of any kind at any time. I have competed at this level for a long time, and have nothing but respect for the game and the fraternity of players in it.
"The NFL's policy on performance enhancing substances is clear, and I take full responsibility for anything I put into my body,' he wrote. 'It is with great disappointment that I accept this suspension, and I do so knowing that I have never even attempted to cheat the game.
"I look forward to returning for my 13th NFL season and helping a team compete for a championship."
READ: NFL Veteran Safety Tashaun Gipson Suspended For PED Use
Gipson, currently a free agent, sounds determined to return for another season after playing for San Francisco in Super Bowl LVIII. The undrafted player developed himself into a ballhawk on defense playing for the Browns from 2012 to 2015. Gipson tallied one Pro Bowl appearance in 2016. That season, Gipson recorded 52 tackles, eight pass deflections, a touchdown, a forced fumble, a pick-6, and a career-high six interceptions.
Throughout his career, Gipson played for SF, Chicago, Houston, Jacksonville and Cleveland. Gipson has tallied 684 tackles, 2.5 sacks, 33 interceptions and three touchdowns in 173 career regular-season games.
HENDERSON, NEVADA - FEBRUARY 06: Tashaun Gipson of the San Francisco 49ers speaks to the media during San Francisco 49ers media availability ahead of Super Bowl LVIII at Hilton Lake Las Vegas Resort and Spa on February 06, 2024 in Henderson, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Getty Images)
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