The Denver Broncos will be without Wes Welker for the first four games of the season after the star wide receiver reportedly tested positive for a banned amphetamine.
The suspension was announced late on Tuesday, a reported violation of the NFL’s performance-enhancing drug policy .
Wes Welker said he did not knowingly take the drug.
“I’m as shocked as everyone at todays 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…. 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.”
Reports indicated the Denver Broncos star took an uncut form of the party drug MDMA at this year’s Kentucky Derby.
Source: Welker took Molly at the Kentucky Derby. It had been cut with amphetamines. Same situation as Orlando Scandrick.
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) September 2, 2014
Welker was filmed at the Kentucky Derby carrying a giant stack of money and handing out $100 bills to strangers.
Wes Welker had reportedly appealed the suspension two weeks ago, but was denied by the NFL.
Welker will not be the only Denver Broncos star to be suspended for the start of the year. Kicker Matt Prater will also miss the first four games after violating the league’s substance abuse policy.
“Tonight’s news regarding Wes is very disappointing for our team, but we understand the league’s authority in this area,” Broncos coach John Fox said. “While it’s unfortunate to not have him to start the year, I have full confidence in our wide receivers and expect that group to continue playing at a high level. I have no doubt that Wes will remain focused on his preparations for the season and stay in excellent shape during his time away from the team.”
While Wes Welker must sit on the sidelines for the first four weeks this year, the Denver Broncos star is also trying to recover from a concussion suffered during the preseason. He participated in individual drills this week but has not yet been cleared for practice.