Julian Edelman Appealing Suspension on Grounds That NFL Mishandled PED Test
Edelman plans to “mount a vigorous defense” against the NFL in his appeal.
Jul 27, 2017, Foxborough, MA, USA: New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman (11) walks onto the field during training camp at Gillette Stadium. (Photo Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports)
Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY SportsBy Matt Dolloff, 985TheSportsHub.com
Julian Edelman is planning to "mount a vigorous defense" against the NFL in his appeal hearing for a four-game suspension on Monday, according to ESPN's Dan Graziano.
Adam Schefter and Field Yates reported on June 7, shortly after the conclusion of New England Patriots minicamp, that Edelman is facing a four-game ban for violating the NFL's performance-enhancing drugs policy, and that the suspension was pending appeal. The MMQB's Albert Breer later reported that Edelman tested positive for a substance that wasn't immediately recognizable. Edelman soon issued a statement saying, in part, "I don't know what happened."
According to Graziano, Edelman's appeal is arguing that the league mishandled the "documentation and delivery" of his test results, and that he should be exonerated because of it. Edelman hired attorney Alex Spiro, who is known for litigating recent criminal cases involving NBA players, to "assist in his defense" against the league.
Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY SportsDec 18, 2016, Denver, CO, USA: New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady attempts to throw a pass to New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman during the first half against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field. (Photo Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports)
An overturned suspension in 2012 for cornerback Richard Sherman, then with the Seattle Seahawks, serves as something of a recent precedent for Edelman's case. Sherman had a four-game PED suspension reversed after his appeal cited "errors in the chain of custody of his urine sample" and "mistakes made by the tester."
Based on Sherman's win, it can't be ruled out that Edelman could have a strong-enough case to have his own suspension rescinded.
A successful appeal, in this case, wouldn't necessarily mean that Edelman didn't test positive for a performance-enhancing substance. In light of that, it's still fair to wonder how Edelman will perform upon his return to the Patriots lineup. The veteran slot receiver is also coming off a torn ACL that robbed him of the entire 2017 season. But Edelman still has a chance for his return to happen in Week 1, rather than Week 5, and he could very well be the same player he's always been.
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.
