The NFL has suspended former San Francisco 49ers safety Tashaun Gipson for six games for violating the league’s performance-enhancing drug policy.
News of the suspension It was initially reported on July 2Gipson acknowledged the suspension In a statement on Monday He announced that he intends to return to playing football after 12 seasons in the league. He wrote that the ban was due to the use of a supplement that he said was “in no way related to performance.” He did not identify the supplement.
“During this offseason I took a supplement once, which I thought was completely safe and within NFL policy,” Gipson’s statement reads. “It was in no way related to performance, training or gaining an advantage of any kind at any time. I have competed at this level for a long time and have nothing but respect for the game and the fraternity of players within it.
“The NFL’s policy on performance-enhancing substances is clear and I take full responsibility for anything I ingest. I accept this suspension with great disappointment and do so knowing that I have never attempted to cheat at the game. I look forward to returning for my 13th NFL season and helping a team compete for a championship.”
Gipson, a former Pro Bowler, played the previous two NFL seasons with the 49ers. He is a free agent and will turn 34 in August.
Gipson was a full-time starter in San Francisco and played in 33 of the 49ers’ 34 games over the past two seasons. He had 60 tackles, one sack, one interception and three passes defensed in 2023 during San Francisco’s run to the Super Bowl. He had five interceptions and eight passes defensed during the 2022 season.
The 49ers did not re-sign Gipson after he played last season on a one-year, $2.9 million contract. He remains a free agent during the league’s summer break between offseason activities and training camp. His suspension will obviously make him a less attractive option for teams looking for help at safety as the season approaches.