Julian Edelman Is Appealing 4-Game Suspension, Claiming The NFL Mishandled His Drug Test Results

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It’s been three weeks since news broke that Patriots star wide receiver Julian Edelman is facing a four-game suspension for violating the NFL’s performance enhancing substances policy. The substance

The 32-year-old plans to mount a two-pronged “vigorous defense” that calls into question the NFL’s handling of his case, ESPN reports.

Edelman’s appeal, which will be heard today, hinges on the fact that the substance that he tested positive for wasn’t one the league’s drug testers recognized. Edelman’s other point of contention, ESPN claims, “involves a mishandling of the documentation and delivery of Edelman’s test results.” During the course of the investigation, the NFL made protocol mistakes in how the test results were handled.

To help his cause, Edelman has enlisted the services of New York-based attorney Alex Spiro, who has experience representing NBA players in their legal battles. If Edelman’s appeal is denied, he could still follow the path of his quarterback a la Deflategate and pursue an appeal in federal court.

Edelman issued an apology via his Instagram story after the suspension became public.

“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. I apologize to the Kraft family, my coaches, teammates and fans. As this matter is being appealed, I can’t say anymore but not matter what, I will be ready to play and pursue another championship with our team and for Patriots fans around the world.”

Deny, deny, deny. That strategy remains undefeated.

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Matt’s love of writing was born during a sixth grade assembly when it was announced that his essay titled “Why Drugs Are Bad” had taken first prize in D.A.R.E.’s grade-wide contest. The anti-drug people gave him a $50 savings bond for his brave contribution to crime-fighting, and upon the bond’s maturity 10 years later, he used it to buy his very first bag of marijuana.