Texans DE Denico Autry reacts to NFL suspension

Defensive End of the Houston Texans Denico Autry issued a statement Monday in response to the league’s decision to suspend him for using performance-enhancing substances. The former Mississippi State star was suspended six games for violating the NFL’s policy on performance-enhancing substances, but he denies “knowingly” taking a banned substance.

“Over the course of my ten-year NFL career, I have never used any performance-enhancing drugs,” the statement said. “During that time, I was subjected to countless tests, none of which ever returned a positive result. I was therefore stunned this offseason to learn that one of my tests returned a positive result…

“I immediately investigated the matter and determined that the pharmacy where my doctors had submitted a prescription for another medication had intentionally, recklessly or negligently included a prohibited substance. I want to make it clear that at no time did I know or even suspect that this medication contained a prohibited substance.”

Although Autry denies knowing about the banned substance in his medication, he has accepted the league’s six-game suspension. He will be eligible to play again after missing games for the Texans against the Colts, Bears, Vikings, Jaguars, Bills and Patriots. Two games, against the Colts and Jaguars, are divisional games.

The Texans signed Autry to a two-year, $20 million contract in March. He previously played the last three seasons with the Tennessee Titans.

League bans Tashaun Gipson for six games for performance-enhancing drugs

After the NFL announced his suspension for six games in the 2024 season, free agent Tashaun Gipson released a response regarding his violation of the league’s PED policy. The former 49ers defensive lineman admitted to ingesting an unidentified substance, but said it was not an attempt to gain a competitive advantage.

“I took a nutritional supplement one time in the offseason that I thought was completely safe and in line with NFL guidelines,” Gipson said. “It had nothing to do with performance, training or gaining any kind of advantage. I’ve played at this level for a long time and have nothing but respect for the game and the community of players in it.”

“The NFL’s policy on performance-enhancing substances is clear and I take full responsibility for everything I put into my body. It is with great disappointment that I accept this suspension and I do so knowing that I never attempted to cheat the game. I look forward to returning for my 13th NFL season and helping a team compete for a championship.”

Gipson became a free agent in March when his contract with the 49ers expired. He is now free to sign with any team for the 2024 season, which will be his 13th in the league. Last season, he recorded 60 total tackles and one interception in 16 games as the 49ers made the playoffs. Gipson added 14 more tackles and a forced fumble as the team attempted to take home another Super Bowl trophy.