Titans’ Lewan says he’s suspended for 4 games
Taylor Lewan, the Tennessee Titans’ threetime Pro Bowl left tackle, says the NFL has suspended him for the first four games of the season for violating the league’s policy on performance enhancers.
Lewan announced his suspension Wednesday in an emotional video he posted to social media, saying he received the letter from the NFL a few weeks ago that he had tested positive for ostarine. He said he wanted to share the news himself, which comes a day before the Titans report for training camp.
“I’ve never taken anything that would cheat the game. I’m so sorry to the Tennessee Titans,” Lewan said before pausing, taking a deep breath and wiping his eyes. “I’m sorry to the Titans, to the fans, that I won’t be there for four games. I’ve never cheated myself, and I never want you guys to feel cheated. And I’m sorry. But I’m going to be better for this. I’m going to come back.”
The Titans had no immediate comment.
Lewan says he took a polygraph test voluntarily and shared the results to his Instagram account showing he passed when saying no to whether he ever knowingly took ostarine or used any illegal drug to boost his performance. Lewan said he also had his supplements tested by a third party but knows he’s responsible for what goes in his body.
No contract yet for Jets’ top draft pick
Defensive lineman Quinnen Williams, the No. 3 overall pick in April, remained unsigned and was not among the players who arrived at the New York Jets’ training camp in Florsham Park, New Jersey.
“This is part of the end of the draft process,” coach Adam Gase said. “When he’s ready, he’s ready. When they’re ready to get it done, whenever that happens, it happens. We’ll coach the guys that are here.”
Williams is slotted to receive a four-year contract worth $32.6 million fully guaranteed, with a fifth-year team option. The sticking point appears to be the schedule of how the former Alabama star’s signing bonus — about $21.7 million — will be paid.
According to published reports, Williams would like to receive the entire sum by the end of the year, while the team and new general manager Joe Douglas are looking to defer some of it into next year.
The sides could still reach an agreement before the first camp practice Thursday morning. For now, though, Williams is the only Jets player to not report.
Panthers’ No. 1 pick signs, joins camp
The Carolina Panthers signed firstround draft pick Brian Burns to a four-year contract with an option for a fifth season.
The edge rusher is slotted to make approximately $13.5 million on the rookie wage scale. Burns reported to training camp in Spartanburg, South Carolina, and signed the deal later in the day.
Burns was selected No. 16 overall.
The 6-foot-5, 250-pounder from Florida State is expected to serve as an edge rusher when the Panthers switch to a 3-4 defensive front.
Gordon sits out of Chargers camp
Melvin Gordon is officially a holdout as the Los Angeles Chargers prepare for training camp in Costa Mesa, California.
The Chargers placed the running back on the reserve/did not report list as players went through physicals and meetings. Gordon is going into the final year of a rookie contract and will earn $5.6 million this season.
Gordon has gained over 1,200 yards from scrimmage and scored 10 or more touchdowns in three straight seasons.