Saints’ David Onyemata suspended six games by NFL after testing positive for banned substance

New Orleans Saints defensive tackle David Onyemata announced on social media Friday that he had been suspended by the NFL after testing positive for a banned substance. The 28-year-old said he was “surprised and disappointed” by the news while noting that he had never knowingly taken a league banned substance and that he is currently reviewing all the supplements he has. taken at the time of the positive test. The NFL has since confirmed the suspension and revealed that Onyemata will be out for six games.

“I was informed by the NFLPA yesterday that I had tested positive for a banned substance, which resulted in a suspension for part of the 2021 NFL season,” Onyemata said in a statement. press release posted on social networks. “While I was certainly surprised and disappointed by this news, I am responsible for what I put in my body. As I never knowingly took anything that could cause a positive test, we are currently testing the supplements I was taking. at the time of the test. Either way, I promise to be more aware of any medications and dietary supplements that may contain substances banned by the NFL. ”

Onyemata will be eligible to return to New Orleans following their Week 7 clash with the Seattle Seahawks. Despite the suspension, he will be able to participate and play throughout training camp and the preseason. Back in 2019, Onyemata received a one-match suspension for violating the drug addiction policy surrounding marijuana.

Onyemata arrived in New Orleans in 2016 when the club selected the Nigeria native in the fourth round of the NFL Draft. From the start, the 6-foot-4, 300-pounder became a key component of the Saints’ first seven and became a weekly starter over the previous two seasons. The club even signed Onyemata for a three-year, $ 27 million extension in 2018 which has him under contract until the 2022 season.

In 2020, Onyemata enjoyed a career year after totaling a high of 6.5 sacks, 44 tackles and 16 quarterback hits. That sack total was the team’s third best last year, with Onyemata only looking at Trey Hendrickson (13.5) and Cam Jordan (7.5). With those contributions in mind, New Orleans will miss a key part of their defense at the start of the 2021 season.