Imagine working hard for years to build a flawless reputation—only for a tiny trace of something you didn’t even know was in your system to threaten everything. That’s the situation Arizona Cardinals’ DeAndre Hopkins faced when the NFL suspended him for six games over a banned substance. But was it steroids?
Hopkins insists he’s never taken performance-improving drugs, blaming contamination for the 0.1% ostarine found in his system. With his career on the line, the question lingers: did DeAndre Hopkins use steroids, or was this a case of accidental exposure? The truth might surprise you.
DeAndre Hopkins and the Steroid Allegations
The NFL suspended DeAndre Hopkins for six games after detecting trace amounts of ostarine, a banned substance, in his system. Hopkins denies intentional steroid use, claiming contamination as the cause.
The Suspension for PED Violation
The NFL enforces strict penalties for performance-improving drug violations, including a mandatory six-game suspension for anabolic agents. Hopkins tested positive for 0.1% ostarine in November 2021, triggering the suspension. He maintains he never knowingly ingested the substance, emphasizing his naturopathic lifestyle and minimal supplement use. The league’s zero-tolerance policy leaves no room for trace contamination arguments.
Understanding Ostarine
Ostarine, a Selective Androgen Receptor Modulator (SARM), mimics steroids by improving muscle growth without FDA approval. It’s banned in professional sports due to its performance-improving effects. Trace amounts can appear in contaminated supplements, shampoos, or other products. Hopkins’ case highlights the challenge of unintentional exposure, as 0.1% ostarine detection still violates NFL policy. Medical experts confirm it’s not approved for human consumption in any country.
NFL Drug Testing Policies
The NFL enforces strict performance-improving drug (PED) policies with zero tolerance for violations. Players face mandatory suspensions regardless of intent, as seen in DeAndre Hopkins' six-game ban for trace amounts of ostarine.
Frequency and Rigor of Testing
NFL players undergo year-round, unannounced drug testing with undisclosed frequency. Hopkins tested positive in November 2021 (0.134% ostarine, above the 0.1% threshold) but had prior and subsequent negative results. The league’s strict liability policy holds players accountable for any banned substance in their system, even from contamination.
Comparison with Other Leagues
The NFL’s PED penalties are stricter than the NBA (25-game suspension for first offenses) and MLB (80-162 games). While the NBA relaxed marijuana rules, the NFL maintains zero tolerance for PEDs. Ostarine violations trigger automatic suspensions, unlike some leagues with substance-exact penalties.
Hopkins' Response to the Suspension
DeAndre Hopkins denied intentionally using performance-improving drugs, attributing the positive test to contamination. He maintained his innocence while complying with the NFL's suspension.
Public Statements and Reactions
Hopkins called the test result “confusing and shocking,“ emphasizing his naturopathic lifestyle and minimal supplement use. He stated the 0.134% ostarine concentration suggested accidental exposure, not deliberate doping. Teammates and fans supported him, citing his clean record and advocacy for revised NFL policies on trace contaminants. The league upheld the suspension even though appeals.
Impact on His Reputation
The suspension marked Hopkins' first disciplinary issue but didn't significantly damage his reputation. Media coverage focused on the unusual contamination claim rather than intentional misconduct. His return in Week 7 of the 2022 season reinforced his standing as a top receiver, with performance outweighing skepticism.
The Cardinals' Offense Without Hopkins
The Arizona Cardinals struggled offensively during DeAndre Hopkins' six-game suspension, highlighting his critical role in the team’s success.
Performance During His Suspension
The Cardinals went 2-4 without Hopkins, struggling to maintain offensive consistency. His absence disrupted the team’s rhythm, as defenses no longer had to account for his elite route-running and contested-catch ability. Arizona’s passing game lacked a reliable primary target, contributing to their early-season struggles.
Expectations Upon His Return
Hopkins’ return in Week 7 was expected to revitalize the Cardinals' offense. His ability to draw double coverage and create mismatches was anticipated to open opportunities for other receivers. The team relied on him to stabilize their passing attack and improve their 2-4 record.
Conclusion
The NFL suspended DeAndre Hopkins for six games in 2022 after detecting ostarine, a banned Selective Androgen Receptor Modulator (SARM), at 0.134% in his system—slightly above the league’s 0.1% threshold. Hopkins denied intentional steroid use, attributing the result to contamination.
Key Facts:
- Ostarine’s Effects: Classified as a PED, ostarine mimics testosterone, aiding muscle growth and recovery. It’s banned in all major sports.
- Hopkins’ Defense: He claimed a naturopathic lifestyle, avoiding supplements, and cited prior/post-suspension negative tests.
- NFL Policy: The league enforces strict liability—players are accountable for any banned substance, regardless of intent.
Contamination vs. Intentional Use
- Trace Amounts: The 0.134% detection suggests accidental exposure (e.g., tainted supplements) rather than deliberate doping.
- Hopkins’ Record: No prior PED violations, bolstering his contamination claim.
Impact of Suspension
- Team Performance: The Cardinals went 2-4 without Hopkins, struggling offensively.
- Return: He resumed play in Week 7, reinforcing his role as a top receiver.
While the NFL’s ruling confirms a PED violation, the evidence leans toward unintentional ingestion rather than steroid use. The case highlights flaws in zero-tolerance policies for trace contaminants.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was DeAndre Hopkins suspended?
DeAndre Hopkins was suspended for six games by the NFL after testing positive for ostarine, a banned performance-enhancing substance. He maintained that the trace amount (0.134%) was due to contamination, not intentional use.
What is ostarine?
Ostarine is a Selective Androgen Receptor Modulator (SARM) banned in professional sports for its performance-enhancing effects. It can appear in contaminated supplements, mimicking testosterone.
Did DeAndre Hopkins admit to using PEDs?
No. Hopkins denied knowingly taking any banned substances, attributing the positive test to accidental contamination. He emphasized his naturopathic lifestyle and minimal supplement use.
How strict is the NFL’s PED policy?
The NFL enforces a strict zero-tolerance policy, mandating suspensions for any banned substance—even trace amounts—regardless of intent. Hopkins’ case highlights this rigid stance.
How did Hopkins’ suspension affect the Cardinals?
The Cardinals struggled offensively during his absence, going 2-4. His elite route-running and contested-catch ability were sorely missed until his return in Week 7.
Was this Hopkins’ first NFL suspension?
Yes. Despite the violation, Hopkins had no prior disciplinary issues, and his clean record supported his claim of unintentional exposure.
How does the NFL’s PED policy compare to other leagues?
The NFL’s penalties are stricter than the NBA and MLB, with automatic suspensions for violations like ostarine, whereas other leagues may have more lenient or case-by-case rulings.
Did Hopkins’ reputation suffer after the suspension?
No. Media coverage focused on the contamination claim, and his strong return in 2022 overshadowed skepticism, keeping his status as a top receiver intact.
What was the Cardinals’ record without Hopkins?
The team went 2-4 during his six-game suspension, highlighting his critical role in their offensive success.
Could Hopkins’ suspension have been avoided?
Under the NFL’s strict liability policy, no. Even accidental contamination triggers penalties, sparking debates about fairness in trace-substance cases.
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