Cardinals’ DeAndre Hopkins gets six-game suspension for PED violation
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins has been suspended by the NFL for the first six games of the 2022 season for violating the league’s performance-enhancing drug policy.
The ban seemed to catch the star wideout off-guard, with Hopkins saying in a statement he’s still looking into what may have caused a positive result in a November sample.
“In my 10-year NFL career, I have never tested positive for using performance enhancing drugs,” he wrote. “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. But even as careful as I have been, clearly I wasn’t careful enough. For that, I apologize to Cardinals fans, my teammates, and the entire Cardinals organization. I never want to let my team down.
“I fully intend to get to the bottom of this. As soon as I have more information I will share it.”
According to the NFL, Hopkins is eligible to participate in preseason games and practice, and will be allowed to return to the team for its Week 7 game.
The Cardinals will have to survive until then. Hopkins’ suspension leaves a huge hole in Arizona’s offense and — if they had an inkling it was in the works — could explain their blockbuster draft night move.
The Cardinals acquired Marquise “Hollywood” Brown in a deal with the Ravens on Thursday night. Arizona sent the No. 23 pick in the first round of the draft to the Ravens for Brown and a third-round pick.
Veteran AJ Green and 21-year-old Rondale Moore are behind Brown on the Cardinals depth chart.
Hopkins, 29, was traded to Arizona from Houston to team up with Kyler Murray before the 2020 season. After an explosive first season — 115 catches for 1,407 yards — Hopkins dealt with injuries in 2021. He caught 42 passes for 572 yards and eight touchdowns last season, missing seven games.
The schedule for the 2022 NFL season will be released May 12.