Veteran NFL safety Tashaun Gipson has issued a strong denial of cheating allegations, following a six-game suspension imposed by the league for violating its performance-enhancing drug policy.
The 33-year-old free agent maintains that a tainted supplement is to blame and asserts that he had no intention of gaining a competitive edge. While the NFL has not disclosed the specifics of Gipson’s sample, he took to social media to clarify his stance.
“I used a supplement once this offseason, which I believed to be entirely safe and compliant with the NFL’s policies,” Gipson wrote. “It had nothing to do with performance, training, or gaining any kind of advantage.”
Tashaun Gipson, a veteran safety, has vehemently denied allegations of cheating.
Gipson, a product of the University of Wyoming, expressed his respect for the game and the fraternity of players within it. Despite his denial of any intentional wrongdoing, Gipson acknowledged responsibility for the substances he consumes and accepted the league’s punishment.
“The NFL’s rules on performance-enhancing substances are clear, and I take full responsibility for anything I put into my body,” he wrote. “Although I am deeply disappointed, I accept this suspension, knowing that I have never tried to cheat the game.”
Looking ahead, Gipson expressed his eagerness to return for his 13th NFL season and contribute to a team’s championship pursuit. However, his path back to the field may be challenging. Gipson will be required to sit out six games if he signs with a team, although he will be eligible to participate in training camp and preseason games.
Last season, Gipson played in all 16 regular-season games for the San Francisco 49ers. Over his career, he has amassed 33 interceptions while playing for various teams, including the Cleveland Browns, Jacksonville Jaguars, Houston Texans, Chicago Bears, and 49ers. He also earned a spot on the AFC Pro Bowl team.
