Clemson football: Hopkins suspended 6 games for PED, Cardinals had a plan

Former Clemson football wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins was suspended Monday by the NFL for six games for use of Performance Enhancing Drugs.

It also helps explain why the Cardinals traded their first-round pick in the 2022 draft to the Baltimore Ravens on Thursday for wide receiver Marquise Brown.

For his part Hopkins shared his surprise at the positive test results:

"“I was confused and shocked,” Hopkins tweeted later. “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.”"

Players often offer similar statements, but there’s really no way to discern the truth, other than believing (or not) the player or believing the tests.

Hopkins pointed out that ten years into his career he’s never tested positive before this instance and that he pays attention to what he puts in his body.

Hopkins indicated a desire to get to the bottom of the reasoning for the positive tests and share the information, so it’ll be interesting to see if any comes from that goal and if so, what?

Hopkins finished his Clemson career with 206 receptions for 3,020 yards and 27 touchdowns from 2010-2012.

In his final game, the epic 2012 Chick-Fil-A Bowl win over LSU, Hopkins had 13 receptions for 191 yards and 2 touchdowns, including the famous 4th and 16 catch that kept the Clemson game winning drive alive.

Hopkins was subsequently drafted in the first round, 27th overall, by the Houston Texans.