Philadelphia Eagles offensive tackle Lane Johnson is reportedly facing another suspension after testing positive for performance-enhancing drugs.
Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network reports Johnson is appealing a 10-game suspension for testing positive for PEDs. Jay Glazer talked with Johnson, who said he took an approved amino acid but tested positive for a banned peptide.
#Eagles OT Lane Johnson is facing a 10-game PED suspension, source said (as @DarrenDegaetano reported). He's appealing. Would be a bad blow
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 9, 2016
Johnson has a history with PEDs. He was suspended for four games in 2014 after testing positive. Johnson claimed he mistakenly took a prescribed medication to help with a medical issue and didn’t clear the drug with the Eagles. This time around, Johnson isn’t confirming reports. His agent told ESPN that Johnson hasn’t been suspended, and the report is just a rumor from the member of the media.
“We are aware that a member of the media has started a rumor that Lane Johnson will be suspended for a PED violation,” said Johnson’s agent, Ken Sarnoff, in a statement released to ESPN on Tuesday. “Lane has not been suspended and any report to the contrary is false. None the less we will not comment on my client’s protected health information.”
Johnson’s agent isn’t exactly denying the reports. He’s stating Johnson hasn’t been suspended, but doesn’t outright respond to the possibility his client will be suspended.
Losing Johnson for 10 games would be devastating to the Eagles. The club committed $56 million over five years to the 26-year old this offseason. Johnson’s absence would create a significant hole in Philadelphia’s offensive line.
All Johnson and the Eagles can do is wait things out and appeal the decision. If the suspension is upheld, it’s awful news for Philadelphia with the season just around the corner.
[ESPN]
