Odell Beckham Jr. Suspended for PED Violation

Free agent wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. has received a six-game suspension due to a PED violation from last season while playing for the Dolphins.

In an appearance on the podcast “The Pivot” on Tuesday, Beckham discussed how blood tests from earlier in the season indicated low testosterone levels. He firmly denied having knowingly taken performance-enhancing drugs.

“Last year was tough for me,” Beckham shared. “Those were dark times. As a man, a father, a brother, and a son, I found it hard to forgive myself… but I’ve never cheated the system.” It’s a pretty strong statement, and you can sense the weight of his emotions.

He recounted the challenges of facing such a situation, noting, “In order to come back and play football, you have to confront these issues.” Reflecting on his time in Miami, he mentioned how he felt the scrutiny of being accused of messing up with PEDs was difficult.

Beckham mentioned a specific incident where he didn’t inform his team about a trip to Las Vegas, saying, “I didn’t feel the need to,” and that he’s been part of the testing program for over a decade. “I’ve never avoided any tests or failed one,” he asserted.

As Beckham approaches his 33rd birthday in November, he has also expressed that he’s not ready to retire just yet. He named several teams he’d be interested in playing for, including the Rams, Steelers, Chiefs, and his former team, the Giants.

With a hint of nostalgia, he said, “Before I leave, make sure to see me back in that blue,” reiterating his connection to the fans.

In the previous season, Beckham recorded nine receptions for 55 yards from 18 targets over nine games with the Dolphins.