Arizona Cardinals fans were given a piece of shell-shocking news to begin their week about star wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins. The NFL were announcing the suspension of the Cardinals wideout for 6 games in violation of their policy on performance-enhancing drugs. It was news that was extremely shocking to many fans, with Hopkins also subsequently releasing a statement.
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ESPN’s Adam Schefter was the recipient of a text message from Hopkins’ brand manager, Doug Sanders. He reveals that in a test done during November, ‘trace elements of a banned substance’ were found.
Additionally, the tests taken in the months before and after were negative.
The NFL’s announcement comes nearly 4 days following the Cardinals trading for Baltimore Ravens WR Marquise Brown and moving their first-round picks in the 2022 NFL Draft. While the suspension restricts Hopkins from playing, he can still participate during the preseason until the start of the new campaign.
NFL Twitter records surprise reactions about DeAndre Hopkins’ announcement
In a statement released on Instagram, Hopkins shares his disbelief, stating, “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.” He also shares his apologies toward the organization, the fans, and his teammates.
The 5-time Pro Bowler was coming off a down year with an injury prone season leading to the least productive time of his career. He was also a major absentee during the Wild-Card round loss against the eventual Super Bowl champions, the Los Angeles Rams.
The fans on Twitter were also sharing their opinions on Hopkins getting suspended.
Cardinals’ Pro-Bowl WR DeAndre Hopkins is being suspended six games for violating the NFL’s Performance Enhancing Drug policy, league sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/hNGNX4Aegx
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) May 2, 2022
One Twitter user was questioning the degree of strictness of the NFL towards certain decisions.
Sooooo….drug use only gets you 6 games yet gambling gets you a year…nothing against hope but one seems a lot worse than the other….
— brandon moorehead (@moheezyababay) May 2, 2022
Another Twitter user was bringing back the allegations about the Houston Texans before the Hopkins trade to the Cardinals.
This should come as no surprise to those paying close attention to the Texans organization during the turbulent years prior to DeAndre Hopkins trade. While some players were caught and suspended earlier, the fostering culture in the organization was not limited to just those.
— John (@JohnCPrepper98) May 2, 2022
NFL Insider Dov Kleiman was attracting fans and their attention about the Cardinals acquiring WR Marquise Brown.
gotta assume they knew this was coming… helps understand trading a 1st round pick for hollywood brown
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) May 2, 2022
Another Twitter user was mocking the poor 2021 season Hopkins endured with the Cardinals.
Bro used PED’s & still was getting locked up by Kareem orr 😂
— 𝐣𝐮𝐢𝐜𝐞 (@LArams4L) May 2, 2022
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Finally a Twitter user perfectly sums up the collective reaction of fans over the suspension.
— Annie Agar (@AnnieAgar) May 2, 2022
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The Cardinals fans will be feeling the blues before an already challenging NFL season in 2022. It will be a real test for the franchise and their QB Kyler Murray. The Cardinals have many questions to answer in the upcoming season as they aim to make the playoffs.
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