The NFL has made their decision on New Orleans Saints rookie quarterback Jake Haener. Unfortunately for the 24-year-old, he is now set to miss a big chunk of his debut season after previously testing positive for a banned performance-enhancing drug (PED).
New Orleans Saints QB Jake Haener Slapped With Six-Game Suspension
The league laid the hammer down on Haener and the Saints by slapping the former Fresno State standout with a six-game suspension. He has been found guilty of violating the league’s stern policy on PEDs and has been sanctioned with a penalty that has been deemed befitting of his actions.
New Orleans picked Haener up in the fourth round of the 2023 NFL Draft, and he showed some promise during his preseason run this summer. Unfortunately for him, he will now have to wait at least six weeks before he gets a shot at his NFL debut.
Earlier this week, New Orleans decided to change Taysom Hill’s designation from tight end to quarterback. The veteran now joins Jameis Winston on the QB depth chart behind starter Derek Carr.
Jake Haener Issues Statement
Haener has always denied any knowledge of the PED that was found in his system, and he has remained consistent with his story. However, it is also clear that the young man has accepted his mistake. He came out with an official statement shortly after the league announced his suspension:
“I recently learned that I tested positive for a substance banned by the NFL earlier this summer,” Haener said, via Charean Williams of PFT. “I still do not know how the substance got into my body, as none of my supplements or prescribed medications contain the banned ingredient. 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.”
This is not exactly the way one would like to kick off his NFL career, but at this point, Jake Haener has no choice but to play the hand that he has been dealt, so to speak. It is a major bump in the road, no doubt, but it should also put his resiliency to the test.
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