Tashaun Gipson accepts six-game suspension; free-agent safety plans to play 13th NFL season

Free-agent safety Tashaun Gipson accepted his six-game suspension for violating the NFL’s performance-enhancing policy and plans to play a 13th campaign upon completing the ban.

“During this offseason I took a supplement one time, which I thought to be completely safe and well within any of the NFL’s policies,” Gipson wrote in a statement. “It was in no way related to performance, training, or gaining an advantage of any kind at any time. I have competed at this level for a long time, and have nothing but respect for the game and the fraternity of players in it. The NFL’s policy on performance enhancing substances is clear, and I take full responsibility for anything I put into my body. It is with great disappointment that I accept this suspension, and I do so knowing that I have never even attempted to cheat the game. I look forward to returning for my 13th NFL season and helping a team compete for a championship.”

The league announced last week that Gipson was suspended for the first six games of the 2024 season. The safety is eligible to sign and participate in all preseason activities, including games. His suspension will take effect with the roster reduction to 53 players.

Gipson spent the past two campaigns with the San Francisco 49ers, starting 33 tilts and all six playoff games, including Super Bowl LVIII. Undrafted in 2012 out of Wyoming, Gipson carved out a career in Cleveland, earning a Pro Bowl nod in 2014 before bouncing to Jacksonville, Houston, Chicago and San Francisco.

The safety market has been stagnant this offseason, with several high-profile veterans remaining free agents as we head toward training camp. Gipson, 33, hopes to continue his career, but the suspension might force him to wait until into the season to see if he finds a potential partner.