Denver Broncos wide receiver Wes Welker has been suspended four games for violating the NFL’s policy on performance enhancing substances. Sources told outlets including ESPN that he tested positive for amphetamines on a sample taken shortly after a May horse racing event in Kentucky. Some reports linked the result to the party drug known as Molly, which is sometimes cut with other substances.
Welker is denying all of it. In an email to the Denver Post, he called the suggestion that he took Molly at the event “a joke,” said he has no idea what Molly is and said he does not use drugs. He believes the sample was tainted and wondered whether someone put something in his drink. He also said he would never knowingly take a substance for a competitive advantage and called the league’s drug policy procedures “clearly flawed.” His appeal of the suspension was rejected.
Broncos head coach John Fox called the news disappointing but said the team understands the league’s authority in this area, and he voiced confidence in the receiving group. Welker will miss the first four games of the season, including the opener against the Colts, and is eligible to return to the active roster in October.
Whatever the full story turns out to be, the lesson for everyone is the same: know what is going into your body, and know who handed it to you.
