NEW ORLEANS — New Orleans Saints defensive tackle David Onyemata will reportedly miss six games of the 2021 NFL season after he says he "tested positive for a banned substance."
The 28-year-old shared on Instagram Friday morning, though he did not say how long his suspension would be. ESPN reporter Ian Rapoport later reported that Onyemata would be suspended for six games for violating the league's performance-enhancing drug policy.
In the Instagram post, Onyemata says he was "certainly surprised and disappointed by the news" but said he was ultimately responsible for what he puts in his body.
"As I have never knowingly taken anything that could cause a positive test, we are currently in the process of testing the supplements I was taking at the time of the test," Onyemata wrote.
"Regardless, I am committed to being more aware of any medication and dietary supplements that may contain substances banned by the NFL," he added.
The New Orleans Saints open the 2021 season against the Green Bay Packers on Sept. 12. If that six-game suspension is upheld, he would also miss games against the Panthers, Patriots, Giants, Washington and Seahawks. He could be available against division rivals and defending Super Bowl champion Buccaneers on October 31.
CBS Sports reports that Onyemata received a one-game suspension in 2019 for violation of a substance abuse policy involving marijuana.
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