All-Pro Cornerback Patrick Peterson Serves Six-Game Suspension After Violating NFL’s PED Rules

Patrick Peterson, All-Pro cornerback for the Arizona Cardinals, violated the NFL’s performance enhancing drug policy, the league announced Thursday. Peterson will be suspended six games in the beginning of the upcoming season.

Peterson, 28, announced his apologies in a charity event he held, describing his commitment to the franchise on and off the field.

“That’s why this is very very hard for me, because, obviously, I’ve never been in this situation before and never wanted to have my name attached to anything like this,” Peterson told ESPN. “But I’m looking to move forward and put this behind me.”

Peterson is still able to participate in all summer workouts with the team, including preseason practices and games. At the beginning of the regular season however, Peterson will miss games versus Detroit, Baltimore, at home against Carolina and Seattle, at Cincinnati and at home against Atlanta.
Peterson’s ban will be lifted on Oct. 20, when Arizona travels to the New York Giants. 

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“Patrick recognizes how disappointing this is for everyone in the organization as well as our fans,” the Cardinals said in a statement. “As we all do, he understands that regardless of intent he is ultimately responsible for everything he puts in his body. Our coaching staff and our players are now aware that we will have to play the first six games without Patrick and they understand they have to rise to the challenge that it presents.”

Arizona has made major offseason moves this summer, including the signing of new head coach Kliff Kingsbury and signing their first-round pick, quarterback Kyler Murray, on a four-year deal worth $35 million.

Peterson will be dearly missed at the start of this upcoming season, as he is tied for third-most interceptions in the NFL with 23. Peterson is also only the 13th player to make the Pro Bowl in every season he has played, until now. According to the league’s rules regarding violations of PEDs during the season, Peterson “will be ineligible for selection to the Pro Bowl, or to receive any other honors or awards from the League or the Players Association.”

His six-game suspension will cost him just under $4 million in wages.