Former 49ers safety Tahshaun Gipson accepts suspension for performance-enhancing drugs, hopes to return to NFL – NBC Sports Bay Area & California

Veteran safety Tashaun Gipson announced on Monday his intention to stay in the NFL for another season.

But first he must serve a six-game suspension for violating the league’s guidelines on performance-enhancing substances.

Gipson, 33, who played for the 49ers the past two seasons, has not yet signed a free agent contract. He admitted to taking a banned substance but said he was not trying to gain an unfair advantage.

“At one point during the offseason, I took a nutritional supplement that I believed was completely safe and compliant with all NFL guidelines,” Gipson said in a statement released through his agent.

“It had nothing to do with performance, training or gaining any advantage. I have competed at this level for a long time and have nothing but respect for the game and the community of players in it.”

Gipson did not disclose which supplement he took that led to the NFL violation. The NFL announced a six-game suspension last week. He is now free to sign with any team and participate in training camps and preseason games. The suspension will take effect at the start of the regular season.

“The NFL’s policy on performance-enhancing substances is clear and I take full responsibility for everything I put into my body,” Gipson said. “It is with great disappointment that I accept this suspension and I do so knowing that I never attempted to cheat the game.”

“I’m excited to return for my 13th NFL season and help a team compete for a championship.”

The 49ers signed Gipson as a free agent in training camp in 2022. He has started all 39 games for the 49ers over the past two seasons, including the postseason.

Gipson recorded the most interceptions on his team with five in 2022 and signed a one-year deal last year to stay with the 49ers.

Gipson played his first four NFL seasons with the Cleveland Browns, making one Pro Bowl appearance, before moving to Jacksonville, Houston and Chicago before signing with the 49ers.

The 49ers begin training camp with safeties Talanoa Hufanga, Ji’Ayir Brown, George Odum, Malik Mustapha, Erik Harris, Taylor Hawkins and Jaylen Mahoney on their 90-man roster.

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