Free agent Tashaun Gipson Sr. was suspended six games by the NFL on Tuesday after violating the league’s performance-enhancing substance abuse policy.
The suspension will not take effect until the regular season, if and when Gipson signs with a team, after the San Francisco 49ers released him at the end of last season.
The 2014 Pro Bowler, who won while playing for the Cleveland Browns, can still participate in all preseason activities, including games, if he finds a team.
The 33-year-old, who had reportedly been considering retirement, started all 33 games he played over the past two seasons for the 49ers, making 121 tackles with six interceptions.
In 12 NFL seasons, Gipson has 684 tackles, 33 interceptions and three TDs in 173 games (165 starts) for the Browns (2012-15), Jacksonville Jaguars (2016-18), Houston Texans (2019), Chicago Bears (2020-21) and 49ers after going undrafted out of Wyoming.
Tashaun Gibson, pictured playing football with his kids, has been suspended for PED use
Gipson is currently a free agent after being released by the San Francisco 49ers this year.
He went viral last season after criticizing Patrick Mahomes’ ability while on a microphone on the sidelines of a game.
In the clip, Gipson can be seen telling his teammates: “Pat’s a normal QB, a normal guy, and we’re going to make his ass look normal. Keep doing it.”
Despite trailing in the first half, Mahomes led the Chiefs to a 25-22 overtime victory over the 49ers to secure their second straight title.
During his speech at the Chiefs’ parade, the QB addressed the crowd and was interrupted by his wife Brittany, who reminded him that he is “a regular quarterback.”
Mahomes then added: “I’m a normal quarterback, it is what it is. I have to give a shout out to that defense. Can I hear it for the defense?”
Gipson reached the Super Bowl with the 49ers and is a former Pro Bowler with the Browns.
Safety Gipson called Patrick Mahomes a “normal quarterback” in the Super Bowl
“It’s crazy, a defense can win the Super Bowl and still be underrated, and that’s what those guys have been doing. Can I mention Harrison Butker? Can I mention Tommy Townsend? Can I mention James Winchester?”
“Nobody had ever done it before and we knew it was a legend to win back-to-back titles,” Mahomes added. “I think eight other teams have done it. We’ve heard about it all week.
‘We had talked to the guys about it and we felt like we had the best opportunity we’ve ever had to go out and do it.
“We have to keep playing our best football. We’ll celebrate these next few weeks and then we’ll get back to it.”