Former 49ers safety Tashaun Gipson responds to six-game suspension from NFL

Following the NFL’s notification of his suspension for six games during the 2024 season, free agent Tashaun Gipson has posted a response in light of his violation of the league’s PED policy. The former 49ers defender owned up to taking an unidentified substance that violates the league’s policy, however, he says it was not an attempt to gain a competitive advantage.

“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,” Gipson said. “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. 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.”

Gipson became a free agent in March when his contract with the 49ers expired. He is now free to sign with any team for the 2024 season, which will be his 13th in the league. Last season, he posted 60 total tackles and an interception in 16 games as the 49ers made it to the playoffs. Gipson added 14 more tackles and a forced fumble as the team attempted to take home another Super Bowl trophy.

The former Wyoming standout entered the league in 2012 after going undrafted in the NFL Draft. He signed with the Browns, where he played four seasons before moving to the Jaguars for three, the Texans for one, the Bears for two, then the 49ers for two. He’ll turn 34 next month.

More on the 2024 NFL offseason, free agency

The NFL 2024 calendar year began at 4 p.m. ET on March 13. At that time, contracts running through 2023 officially ran out, making those players free agents. Prior to the beginning of free agency, teams had a chance to designate one franchise or transition tag player, starting on Feb. 20 at 4 p.m. ET and ending on March 5. Beginning March 11 through March 13 teams could enter into a legal negotiation with players who will become unrestricted free agents.

In addition to NFL free agency, the new year also marked the beginning of all trades being made official by the league office. April 19 marked the deadline to sign restricted free agents to offer sheets. On April 24, the deadline for teams to match restricted free agent offers sheets hit.