Former Cleveland Browns safety Tashaun Gipson has been suspended for six games by the NFL for violating the league’s performance-enhancing drug policy.
Gipson, 33, issued a statement accepting his suspension for the first six games of the upcoming NFL season, but said he plans to play his 13th NFL season this year. He is currently a free agent after playing the last two seasons for the San Francisco 49ers.
“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 in his statement. “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.”
Despite his six-game suspension, Gipson is eligible to sign with a team and participate in all preseason activities, including games. His suspension will take effect for his first six games of the 2024 NFL regular season.
A former standout at the University of Wyoming, Gipson signed with the Browns as an undrafted free agent in May 2012. He played in 10 games, making three starts, during his rookie campaign for the Browns, but became a starter the following season and led the team with five interceptions while ranking third in tackles (95) and pass deflections (12). The following season in 2014, Gipson was selected to the NFL Pro Bowl after recording six interceptions for the Browns that season.
Gipson played four seasons for the Browns before playing three seasons with the Jacksonville Jaguars, one with the Houston Texans, two with the Chicago Bears, and the past two with the 49ers. He has made 165 starts in 173 games played, recording 33 interceptions – including three for touchdowns – along with 684 tackles and 68 pass deflections.