Julian Edelman missed the first four games of the 2018 season when he was suspended for violating the NFL’s performance-enhancing drug policy, and the star wide receiver never came out and discussed what it was that triggered the positive test. But if you read between the lines, it seems like he either unknowingly took something or believes he was railroaded.
Edelman discussed the adversity he has faced over the past year in an interview with Peter King of NBC Sports, and King said he came away unsure if Edelman is embarrassed by the suspension or believes the NFL made a mistake. Edelman told King he doesn’t know exactly what happened.
“…And then when you’re told you can’t play football for four weeks because of something that happened that you really can’t get into because you really don’t know what happened, it’s tough,” he said. “You learn a lot from that.”
Like he did back in July, Edelman took responsibility for the situation. He added that league rules prevent him from discussing the exact nature of the positive test, which inspired King to ask him if he feels the four-game ban was unjust.
“I’m not going down that road. I served what I had to serve and I accept that,” Edelman said. “I know a lot of people were disappointed in me for it. I apologize. It’ll never happen again.”
Edelman initially tried to appeal his suspension based on a technicality but was denied. His season ended with a Super Bowl MVP award, and he said he understands some people will always view that as tainted. Perhaps the New England Patriots star will share more of his side of the story when he calls it a career.
