Veteran safety Tashaun Gipson is defending himself against cheating allegations after being suspended six games by the NFL for violating the league’s performance-enhancing drug policy.
The 33-year-old free agent insists he is the victim of a tainted supplement, and claims he was not trying to gain a competitive advantage.
The NFL has not revealed what, exactly, was found in Gipson’s sample.
‘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 wrote in a statement that he posted on social media. ‘It was in no way related to performance, training, or gaining an a vantage 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 Wyoming product continued.
Although he denies cheating, Gipson said he will accept his punishment from the league.
‘The NFL’s policy on performance enhancing substances is clear, and I take full responsibility for anything I put into my body,’ he wrote. ‘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.
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‘I look forward to returning for my 13th NFL season and helping a team compete for a championship.’
Returning for a 13th season may not be so easy.
The veteran safety will be forced to sit out six games if and when he does sign, although he will be able to go through training camp and all three preseason games if he does get picked up.
Gipson played in all 16 regular-season games for the San Francisco 49ers last season.
He has 33 career interceptions over stints with the Cleveland Browns (2012-15), Jacksonville Jaguars (2016-18), Houston Texans (2019), Chicago Bears (2020-21) and 49ers (2022-23).
He was also named to the AFC Pro Bowl team.