Denico Autry suspended 6 games for PEDs, releases statement

Houston Texans defensive end Denico Autry shared a statement on Monday in response to the league’s decision to suspend him for PED use. The former Mississippi State star received a six-game suspension for violating the NFL’s policy on performance-enhancing drugs. However, he denies having “knowingly” ingested a banned substance.

“Over the course of my ten-year NFL career, I have never engaged in the use of performance-enhancing drugs,” the statement reads. “Over that period, I have been subject to countless tests, none of which have ever returned a positive result. I was, therefore, stunned this offseason when I learned that one of my tests returned a positive result…

“I immediately investigated the matter and discovered that the pharmacy to which my doctors submitted a prescription for a different medication, had, whether intentionally, recklessly, or negligently, included a banned substance. I want to be clear, at no time did I know or even suspect that this medication contained a banned substance.”

Despite contesting his knowledge of the banned substance being in his medication, Autry has accepted the league’s six-game suspension. He will be eligible to return to play after missing games for the Texans against the Colts, Bears, Vikings, Jaguars, Bills and Patriots. Two games, against the Colts and Jaguars, are divisional matchups.

The Texans signed Autry to a two-year, $20 million deal in March. He previously spent the last three seasons with the Tennessee Titans.

League suspends Tashaun Gipson for six games over PEDs

Following the NFL’s notification of his suspension for six games during the 2024 season, free agent Tashaun Gipson 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. 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.