New Orleans Saints rookie quarterback Jake Haener was suspended without pay for six games on Wednesday for violating the NFL’s performance-enhancing drug policy.
Haener, a fourth-round draft pick out of Fresno State, said he wasn’t sure what happened.
“I recently learned that I tested positive for a substance banned by the NFL earlier this summer. I still do not know how the substance got into my body, as none of my supplements or prescribed medications contain the banned ingredient,” Haener wrote in a statement posted on social media.
“I would never knowingly cheat the game that I love, however I must take full responsibility for the failed test. I apologize to the Saints organization, my friends and my family for any distraction this suspension may cause.
“I am disappointed to be away from the team for the coming weeks, but I will learn and grow from this experience. I look forward to returning to the team as soon as possible.”
Haener, 24, will return to the Saints on Oct. 16 and forfeit $250,000 of his base $750,000 salary because of the suspension.
The Fresno State alum had worked as the Saints’ third-team quarterback for most of the offseason behind Derek Carr and Jameis Winston.
Haener completed 17 out of 38 passes for 172 yards with two interceptions in the Saints’ 17-13 preseason loss against the Texans.
Haener participated in Wednesday’s practice and was listed as the fourth-team quarterback ahead of Week 1 after the Saints designated Taysom Hill as a signal-caller for this season.
The young quarterback isn’t the first Saints player to be suspended to start the year.
Star running back Alvin Kamara will miss the first three games in connection to an assault in Las Vegas.
Haener spent one season at the University of Washington and three years with Fresno State, throwing for 4,096 yards and 33 touchdowns during his junior year with the Bulldogs.
The Saints went 7-10 last year in a weak NFC South, finishing third place after middling quarterback play from Winston and Andy Dalton.
