Reactions To Julian Edelman’s Pending Suspension

We learned earlier today that Patriots wideout Julian Edelman was facing a four-game ban for violating the NFL’s performance enhancing substances policy. Naturally, some football pundits turned their eyes to trainer Alex Guerrero, who has worked with several Patriots players, including Edelman and Tom Brady.

After the news broke, Guerrero told NBC Sports Boston’s Tom E. Curran that he had nothing to do with the alleged performance-enhancing drugs.

“I’ve known Julian since his rookie year and he is a phenomenal athlete who takes his training seriously – it’s disappointing to hear today’s news,” Guerrero said (Twitter links). “Elite athletes sometimes work with multiple coaches and health professionals as part of their training. 

Here at our facility, we take a natural, holistic, appropriate and, above all, legal approach to training and recovery for all of our clients. And anyone who would suggest otherwise is irresponsible, and just plain wrong.”

Here’s some more notes and opinions regarding Edelman:

  • Dan Shaughnessy of the Boston Globe writes that Edelman’s suspension gives Bill Belichick “more ammunition” against Guerrero. Last season, the Patriots head coach banned the trainer from Gillette Stadium, despite the fact that Guerrero had long been associated with Brady. The writer ultimately questions Guerrero’s credibility, noting that “Belichick stripping Guerrero of sideline privileges is at the root of Tom vs. Bill.”
  • Meanwhile, Ben Volin of the Boston Globe has a more optimistic viewpoint on Edelman’s suspension. The wideout tore his ACL last preseason, forcing him to miss the entire 2017 campaign. Volin notes that it can be difficult for a 32-year-old wideout to come back from such an injury, and the extra month’s rest could help keep Edelman fresh throughout the year.
  • Volin also has specifics on how much money Edelman is set to sacrifice. The receiver will lose $470K in salary, $31K in roster bonuses, and $392K of his signing bonus, totaling $987K. The wideout also has another $500K in performance incentives that will now be tougher to reach.
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