Jets lose Copeland for 4 games
Jets linebacker Brandon Copeland was suspended by the NFL on Wednesday for the first four games of the regular season for violating the league’s policy on performance-enhancing substances.
Copeland can still participate in the team’s preseason practices and games. He’s eligible to return to the active roster Oct. 7.
In a post on Instagram, Copeland explained that he used a supplement that he believed adhered to NFL rules.
“This offseason, I began taking a supplement AFTER multiple verifications that it was safe for me to use,” Copeland wrote. “Unfortunately, this supplement was contaminated with a banned substance — NOT on its label. Regardless of the reason, League policy says I am responsible for what is in my body.”
Copeland hinted that he would appeal the suspension.
“Although I can NEVER make up for time loss on the field and away from my teammates who have become family, my team and I will be taking the necessary steps to rectify this situation to the fullest extent of the law,” he wrote.
The 28-year-old Copeland was a key contributor on defense and special teams last year, his first with the Jets. He had a career-high five sacks while starting 10 games.
The suspension is the latest hit to New York’s linebacker corps after Avery Williamson was lost for the season with a torn knee ligament.
Cards cut White: Fifth-year receiver Kevin White was released by the Cardinals.
White, 27, the No. 7 overall pick in the 2015 draft by the Bears, signed a one-year contract with the Cardinals in March. He recently had recovered from a hamstring injury that forced him to miss about a week of training camp.
White fractured his left leg in both 2015 and 2016, and his shoulder in 2017.
Dolphins give Grant extension: The Dolphins signed receiver Jakeem Grant to a four-year contract extension worth up to $24 million. The new deal runs through the 2023 season.
Grant’s three career touchdowns on returns are tied for the most in team history. He has only 34 career receptions for 471 yards and four TDs, but he’s expected to play a significant role in the offense this season.
He missed the final six games last year with a calf injury that required surgery.
Extra points: Former Texans DE Mario Williams was arrested Tuesday on a misdemeanor charge accusing him of trespassing at a woman’s Houston-area home. Williams, 34, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2006 draft who also played for the Bills and Dolphins, must undergo a mental health evaluation. A motion for an emergency protective order also was filed. ... The AP reported that the Lions and DT Damon Harrison agreed to a one-year, $11 million extension, giving him three years left under contract with the franchise. Harrison, 31, was an All-Pro while with the Giants in 2016. He has started 16 games in six straight seasons.