Wes Welker issued a statement to The Denver Post Tuesday regarding his 4-game suspension for violating the league’s drug policy.
In the statement, the Broncos wide receiver focused on how he did not violate the league’s performance-enhancing drug policy and was not cheating.
“I’m as shocked as everyone at today’s news,” Welker said in an e-mail to The Denver Post. “I want to make one thing abundantly clear: I would NEVER knowingly take a substance to gain a competitive advantage in any way. Anyone who has ever played a down with me, lifted a weight with me, even eaten a meal with me, knows that I focus purely on what I put in my body and on the hard work I put in year round to perform at the highest levels year-in and year-out.
“I want any youth football players and all sports fans to know, there are NO shortcuts to success, and nothing but hard work and studying, leads to success.”
Welker then talked about wanting the drug policy changed.
“I have never been concerned with the leagues performance enhancing or drug abuse policies because under no scenario would they ever apply to me, but I now know, that (drug-policy procedures) are clearly flawed, and I will do everything in my power to ensure they are corrected, so other individuals and teams aren’t negatively affected so rashly like this.
“I have worked my whole life to be the best that I can be, and I have encountered many obstacles over my career, and THIS WILL BE NO DIFFERENT!
“Thank you for the outpouring of support, and I want Bronco nation to know, that no one and no thing will get in the way of our goal as a team, to bring Mr. Bowlen the trophy he and this great region deserve.”
One report said Welker tested positive for amphetamines after taking the drug Molly at the Kentucky Derby in May. The Post says Welker tested positive for Adderall, which is a commonly used substance among NFL players.
Welker’s suspension is set to begin Week 1.
You have to appreciate the ethics behind Welker’s message to kids: don’t cheat the game, but taking the occasional molly while you’re partying is cool. Heck of a message.
