Julian Edelman Releases Major Statement About His PED Suspension

Julian Edelman’s 2018 debut has been put on hold, as the wide out will be missing the first four games of the regular season for violating the league’s PED policy.

On Saturday’s first padded practice of New England Patriots’ training camp, Edelman decided to get in front of a microphone and talk about his failed test and upcoming punishment.

“Obviously, you’re disappointed with it, but I’ve got to follow the protocols a little better and make sure this never happens again,” Edelman said. “I’m accountable for my actions. Ultimately, my focus is getting my knee right and going out and trying to play football at a high level.”

On top of this suspension, Edelman was also kept out of all of the 2017 campaign due to a torn ACL that he suffered last preseason.

“It’s disappointing with the penalty and the findings,” he said. “I’m definitely accountable with that, but ultimately my focus is going out and just trying to work my knee and get better each day. It was tough last year just coming out and watching my teammates play football without you.”

On Saturday, Brady was asked about people connecting Edelman’s positive PED test to Alex Guerrero.

“I have no comment,” Brady said. “That’s just ridiculous. I’m out.”

Earlier in the week, Bill Belichick was also asked about Edelman’s suspension and the head coach did admit that they were “disappointed” by the outcome.

“Well, Julian is a very hardworking player,” Belichick said from a Gillette Stadium podium on Wednesday. “We’re all disappointed, but it is what it is. He’s moved on, we’ve moved on. Just take what we have now and do the best we can with it. He’s been here the last couple of days. He’s got a good attitude, good work ethic and he’ll make the most of the opportunities that he has. Whatever those are.”

Edelman will be missing New England’s contests with the Houston Texans, Jacksonville Jaguars, Detroit Lions and Miami Dolphins. He’ll return on Week 5 when the Pats host the Indianapolis Colts.

The wide out is however allowed to practice throughout training camp and can play in the preseason, but once they conclude the exhibition season with their finale against the Giants, Edelman will be barred from the team facility.