The National Football League announced today that Washington Redskins’ defensive lineman, Jarvis Jenkins, has been suspended for violating the NFL’s policy on illegal, performance enhancing substances. A statement by an NFL spokesperson read:
“Jarvis Jenkins of the Washington Redskins has been suspended without pay for the first four games of the 2013 regular season for violating the NFL policy on performance enhancing substances. “
Jenkins will be eligible to return to the Redskins’ active roster on Monday, September 30 after missing two home games (against the Philadelphia Eagles and Detroit Lions); and two away games (against the Green Bay Packers and Oakland Raiders). Fortunately for Jenkins, because the NFL policy on performance enhancing substances states that…
“If the imposition of a player’s suspension occurs prior to or during the preseason, the player will be permitted to engage in all preseason activities”,
…the defensive lineman will be eligible to participate in all offseason and preseason practices and games and was actually doing so when the announcement was made.
A supposedly surprised Jenkins denied any knowledge of illegal substance use. After the ruling was announced, the Redskins released the following statement from him:
“When I learned that I tested positive for a substance that is banned under the NFL policy, I was shocked and confused. It’s an obscure substance that I’ve never even heard of, and I still don’t know how it got into my body. My only guess is that it came from one of the supplements I was taking around the time of the test, even though none of them listed anything banned.
“I’m very sorry for the effect of this situation on my teammates and coaches, and I also apologize to my family and all Redskins fans. I will be very, very ready to contribute as soon as I get back for Game 5.”
Jenkins was drafted in the second round of the 2011 NFL draft. He tore an ACL during the preseason, however and missed the entire year. In 2012, he started 14 games and was credited with 10 tackles.
Whether or not the former Clemson Tiger decides to be forthcoming with information about the situation remains to be seen. It would probably be in his best interest to do so. Leaving things as they stand now only opens the situation up for speculation and hearsay. Giving him the benefit of the doubt is much harder to do with less information.
Hail.
Diane Chesebrough is Chief Editor, writer and photographer for SportsJourney Broadcast Network. Accredited media with the NFL, she has been a feature writer for several national magazines/periodicals. Follower her on Twitter: @DiChesebrough