Patriots’ Julian Edelman apologizes to fans for failed drug test

Jewish NFL player appealing 4-game suspension, says he ‘doesn’t know what happened,’ after performance-enhancing drugs found in his system

By JTA 11 June 2018, 11:54 pm

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Julian Edelman playing against the Washington Redskins at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Massachusetts, November 8, 2015. (Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman responded to reports that he violated the NFL’s policy on performance-enhancing drugs with an apology.

Edelman is appealing the four-game suspension for the violation, which was reported first on Thursday by ESPN.

“I am very sorry — I don’t know what happened,” Edelman wrote Friday on Instagram. “I’ve taken many, many tests, obviously, over the course of my career, and nothing like this has ever happened. I apologize to the Kraft family, my coaches, teammates and fans. As this matter is being appealed, I can’t say anymore but no matter what, I will be ready to play and pursue another championship with our team and for Patriots fans around the world.”

Edelman, 32, will miss the Patriots’ first four regular-season games. He would be permitted to participate in training camp practices and preseason games.

The Jewish pro bowler missed all of last season after suffering a knee injury in the preseason. Edelman, one of quarterback Tom Brady’s favorite targets, is entering his 10th season.

He has caught as many as 105 passes in a season, played in three Super Bowls, starred in a series of comedic videos and written a children’s book. In April, he was credited with helping to stop a potential school shooting by a Michigan teen.