Chiefs’ Donald Stephenson suspended four games for PED violation
Chiefs tackle Donald Stephenson will be suspended for the first four games of the 2014 season for violating the NFL’s performance enhancing drug policy, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports.
Chiefs OT Donald Stephenson is being suspended the first four games for violating the PED policy.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 22, 2014
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Stephenson’s punishment comes exactly a week following teammate Dwayne Bowe’s one-game suspension.
“Obviously losing Donald is disappointing, but we are in full compliance with the league’s policy,” the Chiefs organization said in a statement, via Terez A. Paylor.
This suspension comes in a offseason filled with the departure of Chiefs offensive linemen. The team lost Brandon Albert, Geoff Shwartz and Jon Asamoah in the 2014 free agency. And they were unable to fill in that talented line that helped Jamaal Charles lead the Cheifs to strong season. Many think that they won’t be able to replicate their success from last year. Without their foundation on the offensive line, the questions about the possible success for the chiefs become even larger.
Stephenson’s statement, via his agent:
"“I’m extremely sorry that I failed to check with the NFL, NFLPA, or Chiefs medical team before I took a medication that requires a therapeutic use exemption. The rules are strict, and without a TUE, the consequence is a four game suspension. I apologize to the Hunt family, John Dorsey, Coach Reid and his staff, my teammates, and our awesome Chiefs fans. It is not a mistake I will ever make again. I will train extremely hard during my time away from the team, and I will be ready to contribute to my team’s effort to win a Super Bowl as soon as I return.”"
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