Did the Bills know about their recent positive PED tests?
An odd chain of events occurred during the Buffalo Bills’ free agency. Two of the players they signed, Michael Hoecht and Larry Ogunjobi, were almost immediately both suspended six games by the league for failing to adhere to the NFL’s drug policy — testing positive for performance enhancing drugs.
The fact that they were both suspended for the same thing shortly after being signed is bizarre enough as it is. But, what makes the situation more puzzling is that Bills general manager Brandon Beane had reportedly known that one of the players, Hoecht, had tested positive for substances. However, he was apparently unaware that Ogunjobi had as well.
So, there are a few things to consider and question with this situation: One, why did the Bills decide to sign Hoecht to a three-year, $21 million contract, knowing he would likely be suspended? Two, how did the Bills know that Hoecht tested positive, but not know that Ogunjobi did as well? To that, how did Ogunjobi’s positive test fall through the cracks when they did their due diligence on him?
Most of the questions will likely never be fully answered, but it is almost baffling that the Bills signed a player they knew may be suspended. Considering they signed Hoecht to a three-year-deal, one could speculate that the team was alright with losing him for a few games because they liked the player overall for the long-term.
Regardless, at the end of the day, both Hoecht and Ogunjobi are now suspended by the NFL for six games each. It will remain to be seen how much of an impact they will be for the Bills when they return. But, the organization and fan base cannot be happy that two players they invested in will be gone before they even play a snap in a Bills helmet.
Luke Graham is a digital sports content co-op for 98.5 the Sports Hub. He is currently a sophomore at Northeastern University studying communications and media studies. Read all his articles here, and follow him on X @LukeGraham05.
