NFL bans former Browns star and Pro Bowler for 6 games

Former Cleveland Browns safety Tashaun Gipson has been suspended for six games by the NFL for violating the league’s doping policy.

Gipson, 33, accepted his suspension for the first six games of the upcoming NFL season in a statement, but said he plans to play his 13th NFL season this year. He is currently a free agent after playing the last two seasons for the San Francisco 49ers.

“At one point during the offseason, I took a nutritional supplement that I believed was completely safe and consistent with NFL policy,” Gipson said in his statement. “At no time did it have anything to do with performance, training or gaining any advantage. I have 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 policies on performance-enhancing substances are 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.”

Despite his six-game suspension, Gipson is eligible to sign with a team and participate in all preseason activities, including games. His suspension will apply to his first six games of the 2024 NFL season.

Gipson, a former star player at the University of Wyoming, was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Browns in May 2012. During his rookie season for the Browns, he played in 10 games, starting three. He became a starter the following season and led the team with five interceptions while ranking third in tackles (95) and pass deflections (12). The following season, in 2014, Gipson was selected to the NFL Pro Bowl after recording six interceptions for the Browns that season.

Gipson played four seasons for the Browns before spending three seasons with the Jacksonville Jaguars, one with the Houston Texans, two with the Chicago Bears and the final two with the 49ers. He started 165 times in 173 games and recorded 33 interceptions – including three for touchdowns – along with 684 tackles and 68 pass deflections.