Contrite and taking responsibility for his mistake, Tennessee Titans star left tackle Taylor Lewan posted to social media Wednesday to announce that he is facing a four-game suspension after being popped in an NFL drug test for Ostarine, a violation of the league’s performance enhancing drugs policy.
“My name’s Taylor Lewan, I’m the left tackle for the Tennessee Titans. And I’m making this video so it comes from me and from nobody else and it doesn’t leave anything up for interpretation,” Lewan said in the video posted on Twitter. “I received a letter from the NFL a few weeks ago saying that I failed a drug test for Ostarine. Ostarine is a supplement banned from WADA (world anti-doping agency) in 2007. It’s known as a SARM (selective androgen receptor modulators). The way the CBA (collective bargaining agreement) works is a strict liability policy. So I’m completely responsible for the things that are in my body whether the supplement I’m taking has it on the label or not.”
Thank you to everyone who sees this video and supports me. My family and I are so grateful to the Tennessee Titans organization and fans for your support. I will post the polygraph information next. #NoBadDays pic.twitter.com/lE9iEMmLxw
— Taylor Lewan (@TaylorLewan77) July 24, 2019
According to reports, the suspension hasn’t been made official, but it’s obviously just a matter of time and something Lewan has made peace with. Lewan was a first round pick for the Titans, No. 11 overall, in 2014 out of Michigan. Since his second year in the league, he’s missed just two total starts and made three consecutive Pro Bowls.
It’s unquestionably a blow to Tennessee, losing its best offensive linemen and one of the best in the league. The NFL has yet to release any statement on Lewan’s failed test or suspension.
Source: Taylor Lewan's 'A" sample tested positive this summer, but the results on his "B' sample have not yet come back from lab. If the B sample matches the A, he would be facing a four-game suspension. But test results still pending.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 24, 2019
Lewan is already prepared for the worst and blames himself for the failed test, even though he says he never knowingly took the substance.
“I want everyone to know that I’ve never taken supplement knowingly and I’ve never cheated the game and I never will,” Lewan said. “…What really is important to me is that people know I’m not a cheater. I went and did a polygraph test about Ostarine and knowingly taking it and I passed that test. I’ve never taken anything that would cheat the game. I’m so sorry to the Tennessee Titans.”
The Titans open the 2019 season at the Cleveland Browns on Sept. 8. If the suspension falls, Lewan will take the field with the team for their Week 5 home game against the Buffalo Bills.
