DeAndre Hopkins releases statement regarding NFL suspension

Arizona Cardinals star receiver DeAndre Hopkins released an official statement on his six-game suspension that he received for a failed drug test. Hopkins continues to maintain that he has no idea how his test was failed, and that he would release another statement once he had additional information. In his statement, Hopkins apologized for the failed test to his teammates and the Arizona fans.

“Cardinals’ Pro-Bowl wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins is being suspended six games for violating the NFL’s Performance Enhancing Drug policy,” stated ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Monday.

DeAndre Hopkins’ statement on his suspension

“In my 10-year NFL career, I have never tested positive for using performance enhancing drugs.

“To learn that my November test came back with trace elements of a banned substance, I was confused and shocked.

“I am very mindful of what I put in my body and have always taken a holistic approach, so I am working with my team to investigate how this could’ve happened. But even as careful as I have been, clearly I wasn’t careful enough. For that, I apologize to Cardinals fans, my teammates, and the entire Cardinals organization. I never want to let my team down.

“I fully intend to get to the bottom of this. As soon as I have more information I will share it.”

The suspension will last for six games, without pay, as Hopkins is kept from being able to start the 2022-23 season with his teammates. Hopkins will be allowed to participate in offseason activities and be with the team, but the suspension will keep him from playing regular season games.

Hopkins withdraws appeal of suspension

As there is with every decision within the NFL, Hopkins could have appealed the suspension and tried to reduce the number of games. However, according to a report from NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, he has decided against doing so and Hopkins will accept his six-game suspension.

“#AZCardinals WR DeAndre Hopkins withdrew his appeal, source said,” Rapoport said via Twitter. “So, now official: Hopkins is suspended without pay for the first six games of the 2022 regular season for violating the NFL policy on performance-enhancing substances.”