NFL star and former Pro Bowler suspended for doping refusal

Out-of-contract safety Tashaun Gipson Sr. was suspended for six games by the NFL on Tuesday for violating the league’s policy on the abuse of performance-enhancing substances.

The suspension will not take effect until the regular season, if and when Gipson signs with a team after being released by the San Francisco 49ers at the end of last season.

The 2014 Pro Bowler – which he earned while playing for the Cleveland Browns – can still participate in all preseason activities, including games, should he find a team.

The 33-year-old, who had reportedly considered retirement, started all 33 games for the 49ers over the past two seasons and recorded 121 tackles and six interceptions.

In 12 NFL seasons, Gipson has 684 tackles, 33 interceptions and three TDs in 173 games (165 starts) for the Browns (2012-15), Jacksonville Jaguars (2016-18), Houston Texans (2019), Chicago Bears (2020-21) and 49ers after going undrafted out of Wyoming.

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He made headlines last season after he used a microphone on the sidelines to criticize Patrick Mahomes’ skills.

In the clip, Gipson is seen telling his teammates: “Pat’s a regular quarterback, brother, he’s a regular brother, and we’re going to make his ass look regular. Keep up the good work.”

Despite trailing at halftime, Mahomes led the Chiefs past the 49ers to a 25-22 overtime win, securing their second consecutive title.

During his speech at the Chiefs parade, the quarterback addressed the crowd and was interrupted by his wife Brittany, who reminded him that he was “just a regular quarterback.”

Mahomes then added, “I’m a regular quarterback, it is what it is. I have to give credit to this defense. Can I hear it for the defense?

“It’s crazy, a defense can win the Super Bowl and still be underrated, and that’s exactly what these guys did. Can I get a shoutout for Harrison Butker? Can I get a shoutout for Tommy Townsend? Can I get a shoutout for James Winchester?”

“Nobody has ever done that before and we knew it was legendary to win two games in a row,” Mahomes added. “I think eight other teams have done that. We’ve been hearing it all week.”

“We talked to the guys about it and felt like we had the best chance we’ve ever had to go out there and do that.”

“We have to continue to play our best football. We will celebrate for the next few weeks and then get going again.”