Pats’ Watson says he faces Four-game suspension
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — New England Patriots tight finish Benjamin Watson wrote on Fb on Sunday that he’s going through a four-game suspension for a failed take a look at in March of the NFL’s substances coverage.
Watson, who had initially deliberate to retire after the 2018 season, defined the state of affairs intimately on Fb.
“After my contract expired final March, I advised my docs I used to be completed taking part in, went by a sequence of medical assessments and was prescribed Bio Equivalent Testosterone Cypionate to help in therapeutic my physique and thoughts,” he wrote.
1 Associated
“On March 29, 9 days after I began remedy, I used to be randomly examined beneath our substance insurance policies. I complied out of behavior, by no means pondering within the second I would wish to come again. In late April, some golf equipment expressed curiosity in me taking part in and after a lot deliberation and prayer, I made a decision I wished to return. Contemplating myself beforehand retired, I had forgotten all about my take a look at in March till I bought a letter on Might third saying my outcomes had been constructive. I used to be devastated and for apparent causes didn’t wish to proceed.
“At that time I knew my resolution to return to play would come with a four-game suspension and I instantly mentioned this new improvement with the golf equipment.”
The Patriots signed Watson to a one-year, $three million contract on Might 9.
“I’m excited and grateful to return to New England however very dissatisfied that I will be unable to play and contribute instantly,” the 38-year-old Watson wrote on Fb.
“This isn’t how I might wish to enter a brand new locker room and try and earn my position on a brand new group. Nevertheless, I respect the rules which were collectively bargained to advertise equity on the sector of play and settle for the self-discipline related to my infraction.”
The Patriots are in transition at tight finish after the retirement of Rob Gronkowski, and Watson is a prime choice to fill his void.
Watson shall be heading into his 15th season within the NFL. He had 35 catches for 400 yards and two touchdowns with the New Orleans Saints final season.