Edelman breaks his silence after 4-game suspension for PEDs
So much of Julian Edelman’s career has been inspirational.
A college quarterback at Kent State, he was a seventh-round pick in the 2009 NFL draft and was moved to wide receiver in New England.
Edelman shocked the experts to become Tom Brady’s favorite target and a two-time Super Bowl champion.
All of that goodwill is on the line now, as the wide receiver is facing a four-game suspension for using performance-enhancing drugs.
The news broke Thursday, and it was stunning.
Edelman has joined Brady as a devotee of controversial trainer Alex Guerrero, but the idea of illegal substances was never suggested.
On Friday, the 32-year-old wideout apologized but said he had no idea how he could have tested positive.
From Julian Edelman’s Instagram story. pic.twitter.com/VDCuqHf8r6
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) June 8, 2018
“I’ve taken many, many tests obviously over the course of my career, and nothing like this has ever happened,” Edelman said.
In the last part of his post, he sounded a little bit less than contrite.
“But no matter what, I will be ready to play and pursue another championship with our team and for Patriots fans around the world,” he said.
When the suspension news broke, Edelman wasn’t the only one looking for cover.
The trainer Guerrero rushed to protect his reputation as well, suggesting Edelman got his drugs elsewhere.
“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,” he said in a statement to NBC Sports Boston’s Tom E. Curran. “Elite athletes sometimes work with multiple coaches and health professionals as part of their 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.”
Edelman missed all of last season after tearing his ACL in a preseason game against Detroit.
If he does miss the first four games of the season, the Patriots will have their work cut out for them.
If Julian Edelman's 4-game suspension stands, he's going to miss some big games. pic.twitter.com/nMAhr89ogV
— ESPN (@espn) June 7, 2018
He has appealed his suspension.
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