NFLPA Releases Statement Regarding Deandre Hopkins Suspension
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The NFLPA released a statement on Tuesday claiming that, contrary to a report, DeAndre Hopkins “never tested positive for any diuretic or masking agent and there was absolutely no evidence of any attempt to substitute, dilute or adulterate any specimen in an attempt to manipulate a test.”
In May, the NFL suspended Hopkins for violating the league’s policy against performance-enhancing drugs. Because it’s his first violation, Hopkins will miss six games.
In a message posted to Twitter following news of the suspension, Hopkins claimed he was “confused and shocked” by his ban. The former Texan star stated that he did not take a prohibited substance willfully and promised to cooperate with his club “to investigate how this could’ve happened.”
This new statement from the NFLPA could possibly back up Hopkins claim that he didn’t knowingly take something that was against the league’s policy on performance enhancing drugs. Hopkins denied his chance at appeal, which means his suspension is concrete and will be served.
The Cardinals wideout missed eight games last season due to a knee ailment, including the playoffs. Arizona finished 3-5 in those games, averaging 19.8 points per game, opposed to 29.9 points when Hopkins suits up.
With Christian Kirk already gone from free agency, the Cardinals wide receiver room will have to step up immediately. The addition of Marquise Brown could be promising, but still, making up for Hopkins production will take more than one player.
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