The New England Patriots have certainly had their share of controversies over the past few years. Spygate, Deflategate, the curious case of Tom Brady’s trainer. If there’s one franchise where discrepancies – big or small – can get swallowed up by the media and be subject to talking points on around the clock, the Patriots are that team. It remains to be seen if the suspension of Julian Edelman will take on a life of its own. Or if it will get treated like most other NFL suspensions and allowed to come and go. But any games New England has to play without Edelman are games their offense suffers, even if only slightly.
Patriots WR Julian Edelman is facing a four-game suspension for violating the NFL’s performance enhancing substances policy, league sources tell @FieldYates and me. Suspension is under appeal.
More now on ESPN’s NFL Live.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) June 7, 2018
Edleman’s suspension in question is reportedly being appealed, meaning four games is the maximum. Some suspensions get shortened to two games, a few get vacated altogether.
The Patriots wide receiver released a statement on Friday via an Instagram story. In full, it said:
“I am very sorry — I don’t know what happened, I’ve taken many, many tests obviously over the course of my career, and nothing like this has ever happened. I apologize to the Kraft family, my coaches, teammates and fans. As this matter is being appealed, I can’t say anymore but no matter what, I will be ready to play and pursue another championship with our team and for Patriots fans around the world.”
If there is more to the story, or if conspiracy theories begin to emerge in regards to a positive PED test, surely they will involve Tom Brady’s personal trainer, Alex Guerrero, who had been around the team (Brady specifically) for years, until Bill Belichick allegedly banned Guerrero from team premises. With the news of Edelman’s suspension, Guerrero told Tom Curran of NBC Sports Boston the following:
From Alex Guerrero…”I’ve known Julian since his rookie year and he is a phenomenal athlete who takes his training seriously—it’s disappointing to hear today’s news. Elite athletes sometimes work with multiple coaches and health professionals as part of their training. 1 of 2
— Tom E. Curran (@tomecurran) June 7, 2018
Alex Guerrero, 2 of 2
“Here at our facility, we take a natural, holistic, appropriate and, above all, legal approach to training and recovery for all of our clients. And anyone who would suggest otherwise is irresponsible, and just plain wrong.”
— Tom E. Curran (@tomecurran) June 7, 2018
Julian Edelman has played in eight NFL seasons – all with New England – since being drafted in the seventh round (232nd overall) out of Kent St. He has 425 career receptions for 4,540 yards and 24 touchdowns.
