Cardinals Legend Discusses Damage to WR DeAndre Hopkins’ Legacy After PED Suspension

It will be a big blow for the Arizona Cardinals to be unable to play star wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins in the first six games this upcoming season. He got suspended for violating the league’s policy on performance-enhancing drugs. However, Cardinals legend Larry Fitzgerald believes this will not fade Hopkins’ chance to get inducted into the Hall of Fame.

The pro football league is very strict when it comes to drug policies and implementing them unbiasedly. The 28-year-old wide receiver is facing such setbacks for the first time in his 10-year career. However, his former teammate Larry Fitzgerald is still optimistic. According to him, these processions cannot taint Hopkins’ legacy, which he tirelessly built for the last few years.

“I don’t think so,” Fitzgerald answered when asked by TMZ if he thought Hopkins’ legacy would be tainted. “He’ll still be a Hall of Famer. He’s talented. He’ll work through it. It’s just some adversity, and you know, he’s a tough guy, resourceful, and he’ll work his way through it.” The former WR added to his speech.

The six-game ban for Hopkins was announced by the Cardinals on May 2. He was alleged of used some performance-enhancing drugs. However, he resorted to rejecting the claims and moving ahead with his set of justifications.

DeAndre Hopkins- the star WR was shocked to hear this news

As soon as the announcement was made, Hopkins released a formal statement addressing his disappointment and misfortune at the same time. The five-time Pro Bowler said that he was “confused and shocked” regarding his positive test.

“In my 10-year NFL career, I have never tested positive for using performance-enhancing drugs,” Hopkins’ statement read, in part. “To learn that my November test came back with trace elements of a banned substance, I was confused and shocked. I am very mindful of what I put in my body and have always taken a holistic approach, so I am working with my team to investigate how this could’ve happened.” Hopkins added to his statements.

Indeed, his absence will prove costly for the Cardinals and rely on budding talents except for Marquise Brown on the roster.

Also Read – NFL Legend-In-the-Making DeAndre Hopkins Issues Statement After Facing Franchise Altering Suspension: “I Wasn’t Careful Enough”

In 2021, the NFC West team was 3-4 without Hopkins in the first seven games. After getting drafted in the first round of the 2013 NFL draft by the Houston Texans, the youngster bashed some significant records to his name.

He has three All-pro designations to his credit in nine seasons. The Clemson alumni registered 789 receptions for 10,581 receiving yards. With 68 touchdown catches, his induction into the Hall of Fame arena is a premature agreement. It will be interesting to see how this new development affects his career moving forward in the years to come.

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