Pats TE Watson faces 4-game suspension
Tight end Ben Watson, who came out of a brief retirement to sign a oneyear deal with the New England Patriots earlier this month, announced on social media that he is facing a four-game suspension under the NFL’s performance-enhancing drug policy.
Figuring his playing days were over, Watson, 38, took a testosterone supplement that was legally prescribed by his doctor but banned by the league.
“After my contract expired last March I told my doctors I was finished playing, went through a series of medical tests and was prescribed Bio Identical Testosterone Cypionate to assist in healing my body and mind,” Watson explained on Facebook and Instagram. “On March 29, nine days after I started therapy, I was randomly tested under our substance policies. I complied out of habit, never thinking in that moment I’d want to come back.”
After tight end Rob Gronkowski announced his retirement March 24, the Patriots reached out to Watson about a possible return. Watson spent the first six years of his career in New England after the Patriots drafted him with the final pick of the first round out of Georgia in the 2004 NFL draft. Watson, who lives in New Orleans with his wife and seven Children, had looked into broadcasting and player development opportunities during the offseason before having second thoughts about playing a 16th season. He later told reporters he was only really interested in a return with the Saints or Patriots. He also has played for Cleveland and Baltimore.
Watson, who played last season with the Saints, said he received a letter May 3 informing that he had tested positive for testosterone.
“I was devastated and for obvious reasons did not want to proceed,” he wrote. “At that point I knew that my decision to return to play would include a four game suspension and I immediately discussed this new development with the clubs.”
New England signed Watson anyway. The NFL has yet to announce a suspension for the tight end.