Arizona Cardinals are looking to make a better impression in 2019 after finishing the last season with a 3-13 record, but the NFL won’t make it easy for them. On Thursday, the league decided to hand the Cardinals’ Pro Bowl cornerback Patrick Peterson a six-game ban for violating the NFL’s performance-enhancing drug policy.
The suspension was later confirmed by Arizona, with the team issuing a statement on the matter.
“Patrick recognizes how disappointing this is for everyone in the organization as well as our fans. As we all do, he understands that regardless of intent he is ultimately responsible for everything he puts in his body,” – Cardinals said in a statement. “Our coaching staff and our players are now aware that we will have to play the first six games without Patrick and they understand they have to rise to the challenge that it presents.”
Peterson, who hasn’t missed a single game since entering the league, reportedly decided to drop the appeal and accept the suspension. He will be able to play again in Week 7 game against New York Giants on October 20th.
Since Cardinals drafted him fifth overall in 2011, Patrick Peterson established himself as one of the best corners in the game. He made the Pro Bowl in each of his eight seasons in the league while also making First-Team All-Pro three times.
Peterson’s NFL career stats include 385 tackles, 23 interceptions, three fumble recoveries and five defensive touchdowns.
