Las Vegas Raiders Defensive Tackle Suspended for NFL Doping Violation

Las Vegas Raiders lost their defensive tackle, Gerald McCoy in the first match of their season itself. The 33-year-old’s knee injury means that he will miss the entirety of the 21/22 season. The defensive tackler had also missed most of the last because of an injury to his quad.

While it is fairly well known that McCoy is at the end of his career, the defensive tackle has had a respected career in the NFL. Therefore, the NFL’s announcement that Gerald McCoy has been suspended because of a doping violation comes as a shocker for many.

Las Vegas Raiders’ DL pleads not guilty

Gerald McCoy defended himself by stating how he was prescribed to take the drug by a professional “to help with scar tissue and tendon strength from a previous injury”. He then iterated why he would never do such a thing because he loves the game. “I love the game of football and have nothing but respect for the players, fans, and this league,” McCoy said in his statement posted to Twitter.

He then reminded people about his legacy and why it would be foolish to let it all go at the end of his career. “I’ve given my all to this game and worked my entire career to compete, train, and rehabilitate at a high level with integrity. It is with great disappointment that I recently learned I tested positive for a banned substance.”

“This was an honest mistake” – Gerald McCoy issues an apology

The Las Vegas Raiders player continued justifying how he would never resort to illicit ways to gain an upper hand on the field. “In no way would I ever intentionally take anything to help with performance or gain a competitive advantage.”

As he had iterated earlier, he used the drugs since he was prescribed by a professional to treat his ailments. He had no malicious intentions behind taking the drugs. “This was an honest mistake, but it’s something I take full responsibility for. I apologize to my family, the NFL, my teammates, and the fans and ask humbly for your forgiveness.”

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