ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) – The Denver Broncos will be without Wes Welker for the first four games of the season after the NFL said the receiver violated the league’s performance-enhancing drug policy.
Normally, the league announces such violations on Monday. News of Welker’s ban didn’t come down until late Tuesday, after the league offices had closed and the Broncos had already finished drawing up blueprints for their opener against Indianapolis, undoubtedly with Welker playing a prominent role.
ESPN first reported Welker’s suspension, saying the violation had to do with amphetamines.
Welker told the Denver Post in an email that he was “as shocked as everyone at today’s news.” He noted he’s meticulous about what he puts in his body and would “never knowingly take a substance to gain a competitive advantage in any way.”
The 11th-year pro who’s been the NFL’s top slot receiver over the last decade added that he never concerned himself with the league’s drug rules but now realizes those policies “are clearly flawed.”