The NFL has suspended Saints defensive tackle David Onyemata for six games, per a press release from the league office. Onyemata’s suspension will take effect after the preseason, keeping him off the field until late in the fall. 
The Saints have a Week 6 bye, so Onyemata won’t be eligible to rejoin the Saints until Tuesday, October 26. It’s a bad break for New Orleans’ defense, especially since a suspension for cornerback Marshon Lattimore could be just around the corner.
“I was informed by the NFLPA yesterday that I have tested positive for a banned substance resulting in a suspension for part of the 2021 NFL season,” said Onyemata earlier today. “While I was certainly surprised and disappointed with this news, I am responsible for what I put in my body. As I have never knowingly taken anything that could cause a positive test, we are currently in the process of testing the supplements I was taking at the time of the test. Regardless, I am committed to being more aware of any medication and dietary supplements that may contain substances banned by the NFL.”
The Saints have Onyemata signed through 2022, thanks to the three-year, $27MM deal he signed in 2020. Last year, he registered 44 tackles, 6.5 sacks, 16 quarterback hits, and one interception while grading out as the seventh-best interior defender in the NFL, per Pro Football Focus.
I didn’t know… I didn’t know… I didn’t know… if I had a dollar for every time I’ve heard that excuse I’d be rich. When you play at that level, you know everything that’s going on. And if you don’t, you’re a damn fool.
at least he took some responsibility in his statement. credit to him there.
What was the substance?
Probably cocaine but he didn’t know! Lol! What a jack***
Until supplements are regulated by the FDA this will continue to happen. Those guys don’t have to as accurate packaging as food items. It may be he cheated or it may be something changed it formula without him knowing.
Nfl is a joke w this stuff
Can only speak for myself. I know what medications I take and what I put in my body. So I’m not sure how a professional athlete is surprised. Substances are a focus of athletes thus being even more unanswerable.
Week after week we read that a player is suspended for substance violations? Just no excuse…..this league has become a nightmare. How does one watch and feel good about viewing a product we know it crutched by drugs and repeat customers with law enforcement?
If you take supplements, you may not know what you’re putting in your body because what it says on the package may not match the actual ingredients.