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| Hawley will miss the next four games. (US Presswire) |
The Falcons announced Monday that backup offensive lineman Joe Hawley has been suspended four games for violating the league’s ban on performance enhancing drugs. According to his agent, the 2012 fourth-round pick tested positive for Adderall.
Hawley joins a recent group of players -- including Patriots cornerback Aqib Talib and Bucs cornerback Eric Wright -- who have tested positive for the drug that is used to treat ADHD.
Complicating the matter, Fox Sports’ Jay Glazer pointed out in a report last month that a number of players take the drug ifor legitimate medical reasons.
That’s not necessarily the case with Hawley, though. According to agent Kevin Omell, Hawley did not apply for the medical exemption and he won’t appeal the suspension.
“In September, Joe Hawley made a mistake by taking an Adderall pill,” Omell said in a statement released by the Falcons. “He did not file the paperwork to apply for an exemption for this medication, and now understands that the NFL/NFLPA drug policies have strict rules.
“He is sincerely sorry to his teammates, coaches and Falcons fans for the consequences of this oversight. Joe will work diligently every day of this suspension to stay in top football shape and be ready to help the team continue the success they've achieved thus far this season. He has chosen to be immediately accountable for the situation which is why he will not exercise his appeal rights and will begin serving the suspension immediately.”
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