Wes Welker Amphetamine Suspension: Denver Broncos Star Denies Molly, Drug Use; NFL Upholds 4-Game Ban
Wes Welker was handed a four-game suspension for violating the National Football League's policy on performance-enhancing drugs, but the Denver Broncos wide receiver denied using any banned substances.
ESPN reported that Welker tested positive for amphetamines during a drug test after the Broncos star attended the Kentucky Derby. Multiple reports indicated that the 33-year-old took Molly that was laced with amphetamines.
In a statement released through The Denver Post, Welker denied taking any drugs, while also adding that he is unsure whether or not someone put something in his drink or food during the Kentucky Derby.
"I wouldn't have any idea where to get a Molly or what a Molly is," Welker said in a statement on Wednesday. "That's a joke. I don't do marijuana, I don't do drugs. I don't do any drugs."
Welker, who had 778 receiving yards with 10 touchdowns last season, also added that he was shocked when he heard about the suspension, reiterating that he will not take any illegal substance to gain advantage in any competition.
"I want to make one thing abundantly clear: I would never knowingly take a substance to gain a competitive advantage in any way," Welker said. "Anyone who has ever played a down with me, lifted a weight with me, even eaten a meal with me, knows that I focus purely on what I put in my body and on the hard work I put in year round to perform at the highest levels year-in and year-out."
The Broncos were reportedly disappointed with the timing of the announcement as they have already prepared to open their season with Welker.
Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning admitted that losing Welker is a tough blow to their team, but he reiterated that they will take it as a challenge.
"The players that are here, we'll stick together, raise our level of play and try to persevere," Manning said in USA Today interview on Wednesday. "It won't be easy. It would be disrespectful to and inaccurate to say it's an easy transition to lose Wes Welker. It's a challenge and one our team has accepted and we're going to try to find way to overcome it."
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