Edelman’s appeal rejected
Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman will indeed be grounded the first four games of the 2018 season.
Yesterday, the league upheld his four-game suspension for violating the NFL policy on performance-enhancing substances, league spokesman Brian McCarthy confirmed. Tom Brady’s goto receiver will be eligible to return to the team on Monday, Oct. 1, following the team’s Sept.30 home game against the Miami Dolphins.
Edelman’s appeal of the four-game ban was heard on June 25, according to ESPN.
He reportedly was flagged for the violation in early June.
In the days after Edelman faced a suspension, the 32-year-old wideout issued an apology via Instagram.
“I am very sorry. I don’t know what happened. I’ve taken many, many tests obviously over the course of my career, and nothing like this has ever happened,” he wrote. “I apologize to the Kraft family, my coaches, teammates and fans. As this matter is being appealed, I can’t say anymore but no matter what, I will be ready to play and pursue another championship with our team and for Patriots fans around the world.”
After missing the 2017 season with a torn ACL, Brady’s longtime favorite target and chain mover was a full participant in the team’s offseason program, and also in the first couple of days of OTAs.
Prior to Edelman’s appeal being heard, Brady posted a video on Instagram of the two working out near the quarterback’s home. He was throwing passes to his trusted receiver.
Despite the suspension, Edelman is still allowed to participate in the team’s training camp, which opens July 26. He’s also eligible to play in the team’s exhibition games.
Edelman, however, has to leave the premises by Saturday, Sept. 1, and not be allowed at the Patriots’ facility.
The first game in which Edelman could play is a Thursday night matchup against the Indianapolis Colts on Oct. 4.
This suspension will cost Edelman roughly $1 million.
Also, the wideout was expected to hold his fourth annual football camp on July 21 at Lincoln-Sudbury High School, but pulled out a few days ago, citing a conflict. Instead, Matthew Slater, Stephen Gostkowski, Sony Michel and Will Tye have been tabbed to go in his place.