Why Was Deandre Hopkins Suspended?

In his decade-long run in the NFL, DeAndre Hopkins has become one of the best wide receivers in football bar none. After a lengthy free agency, DHop finally found a new home with the Tennessee Titans. Coming off a strong tenure with Clemson that included a First-team All-ACC selection in his final year, Hopkins was ready to take over when he joined the NFL as a draftee by the Houston Texans.

Over his 7 years with Houston, Hopkins would firmly establish himself as one of the best wide receivers in the league. After an All-Rookie performance in his first year, DeAndre suffered some regression in his second year. The next year started the true ascension as he was named to his first Pro Bowl and also a second-team All-Pro appearance. Unfortunately, 2016 again saw a step back from the dynamic receiving threat, though that was attributed to inconsistent quarterback play as opposed to any regression from Hopkins himself.

Coming back in 2017, Hopkins would go on a sublime run with Houston. Making 3 straight Pro Bowl appearances, he would become universally regarded as the best WR threat in the league, making three straight First-team All-Pros. In the first year of that run, 2017, DHop would also lead the league in receiving touchdowns. However, the Texans still decided to trade DeAndre to the Arizona Cardinals. Getting a relatively mediocre package in return, the Texans were universally criticized for their move. Hopkins, for his part, was his sensational self as he continued his Pro Bowl streak while making second-team All-Pro yet again.

Over the next two years, Hopkins would get limited playing time. The first year, a hamstring injury that would escalate to a torn MCL put him out of commission. The following year, however, was a different story.

Why was DeAndre Hopkins suspended?

At the start of May, the NFL announced DeAndre Hopkin’s suspension after finding him in direct violation of the NFL’s PED policy. As more of the story came to light, it was revealed that DHop’s drug test in November of the previous year came back with a small trace of a banned substance.

He was found with 0.134 of ostarine, while the threshold for the product is hard-capped at 0.100. Hopkins claimed to be unaware of how he got the drug into his body in the first place, putting out a tweet in response. “In my 10-year career, I have never tested positive for using performance-enhancing drugs. To learn that my November test came back with trace elements of a banned substance, I was confused and shocked.”

He continued his statement, “I am very mindful of what I put in my body and have always taken a holistic approach, so I am working with my team to investigate how this could've happened. But even as careful as I have been, clearly I wasn’t careful enough. For that, I apologize to Cardinals fans, my teammates, and the entire Cardinals organization. I never want to let my team down. I fully intend to get to the bottom of this. As soon as I have more information, I will share it.”

In the meanwhile, DeAndre was allowed to participate in all preseason practices and games but wasn’t allowed to be at team facilities until the expiration of his suspension.

How long was DeAndre Hopkins suspended for?

As announced by the NFL, DeAndre Hopkins was suspended for the first 6 weeks of the season. Usually a model athlete, Hopkins went through the suspension without any further drama. In his return, Hopkins eclipsed 100 yards with 10 catches as he led the Cardinals to a win over the New Orleans Saints.

Over the season, he compiled 717 yards in just 9 games. Almost a year after his suspension announcement, DHop was released by the Cardinals. A lengthy free agency ensued with the final result being a two-year contract with Tennessee.