Alex Guerrero Releases Statement on Julian Edelman, Defends Training Methods at TB12 Center
Guerrero’s statement stressed the “legal” training that he employs at the TB12 center.
Tom Brady of the New England Patriots celebrates with trainer Alex Guerrero after defeating the New York Jets 22-17 at MetLife Stadium on Nov. 27, 2016.(Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
(Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)By Matt Dolloff, 985TheSportsHub.com
Alex Guerrero, Tom Brady's longtime personal trainer and business partner, issued a statement on Thursday in the wake of the news that Patriots receiver Julian Edelman is facing a four-game suspension for a violation of the NFL's policy on performance-enhancing drugs.
Defending his work at the TB12 Center at Patriot Place in Foxboro and distancing himself from speculation that he may have been involved in Edelman's apparent PED violation, Guerrero stressed the "natural, holistic, appropriate and, above all, legal" training and recovery methods that he employs at TB12, where he regularly works with Brady, Rob Gronkowski, and other members of the Patriots.
Marc Bertrand, midday host on 98.5 The Sports Hub's Zolak & Bertrand, tweeted earlier on Thursday that separate statements are expected to come out from both Guerrero and Edelman. The latter has yet to release a statement as of this writing.
Here's the full statement, via Tom E. Curran of NBC Sports Boston on Twitter:
I’ve known Julian since his rookie year and he is a phenomenal athlete who takes his training seriously—it’s disappointing to hear today’s news. Elite athletes sometimes work with multiple coaches and health professionals as part of their training.
Here at our facility, we take a natural, holistic, appropriate and, above all, legal approach to training and recovery for all of our clients. And anyone who would suggest otherwise is irresponsible, and just plain wrong.
Curran also reported on Thursday that two sources tell him Edelman's PED violation did not come from anything Guerrero instructed him to take. Edelman is described in the report as a player who initially followed the "TB12 Method" before drifting toward others.
Edelman's suspension is pending appeal. Should the suspension be upheld, the Patriots will sort out a wide receiver group for Weeks 1-4 that includes Chris Hogan, Phillip Dorsett, Jordan Matthews, Kenny Britt, Malcolm Mitchell, Riley McCarron, Braxton Berrios, Cody Hollister, and special teams captain Matthew Slater.
Matt Dolloff is a digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Have a news tip, question, or comment for Matt? Follow him on Twitter @mattdolloff or email him at matthew.dolloff@bbgi.com.
