With Training camp just around the corner the NFL has handed out another suspension related to substance abuse. With Antonio Gates, Rolando McClain, Sheldon Richardson, and Datone Jones being suspended for PED’s just a month ago Broncos defensive end Derek Wolfe is the latest victim. Ian Rapoport first reported the news.
#Broncos Derek Wolfe suspended 4 games for violating @NFL’s PED policy. He said took a substance & “genuinely was unaware” it was prohibited
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 24, 2015
Wolfe, 25, recorded only 1.5 sacks in 2014 but is regarded as one of the league’s best run suffers. The 4th year pro will miss games against the Ravens, Chiefs, Lions, and Vikings to start the season. Wolfe recently issued a statement that the team released regarding the incident.
“During the offseason I took a medication which is on the banned substance list,” Wolfe said in the statement released by the team. “The medication is not a substance which would enhance my on-field performance in any way and I genuinely was unaware that it was prohibited, but players are responsible for what is in their bodies.
“I will certainly exercise far greater caution in the future and will seek advice relating to the permissibility of any and all medications.”
This is only more trouble for Denver as veteran defensive lineman Antonio Smith could also be facing a suspension in the near future. The suspension will put immense pressure on unproven players such as Malik Jackson and Vance Walker to fill the void. Broncos defensive coordinator Wade Phillips may have to get creative during Wolfe’s absence during the first four weeks.
