The Arizona Cardinals arrived at Paycor Stadium for their preseason opener against the Cincinnati Bengals and some players had a bit of a statement to make. It wasn’t about any social initiative. It was in support of wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins, set to miss the first six games of the regular season with a suspension for testing positive for a banned performance-enhancing substance.
Running back James Conner, running back Darrel Williams and cornerback Byron Murphy showed up to the stadium wearing a T-shirt with the message “Free Hop” on it.
…#ArizonaCardinals #AZvsCIN @JamesConner_ @darrelwilliams_ @byronmurphy pic.twitter.com/LNuduABDGk
— Deandre Hopkins (@DeAndreHopkins) August 12, 2022
Hopkins has insisted that he does not know how he tested positive for Ostarine in November. He says he does not take supplements and has tried to battle the suspension. He says his positive for trace amounts is the result of some contaminated product.
He had hoped to get the suspension reduced but knows the league has a black-and-white policy on banned substances.
Once rosters are cut down, Hopkins will begin his suspension and will be able to be at the team facility for the first six games of the season. He will be eligible to return in Week 7 when the Cardinals host the New Orleans Saints for a Thursday night game.
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