Eagles CB Hanson suspended

Failed test results in four-game ban

Last updated: 11th November 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Eagles CB Hanson suspended

Hanson: four-match ban

Joselio Hanson of the Philadelphia Eagles has been suspended without pay for the team's next four games for violating the NFL policy on performance-enhancing substances.

NFL statement
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Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Joselio Hanson has been handed a four-game suspension by the NFL after testing positive for a banned substance.

The ban starts immediately and covers the Eagles' fixtures against San Diego, Chicago, Washington and Atlanta over the coming month.

"Joselio Hanson of the Philadelphia Eagles has been suspended without pay for the team's next four games for violating the NFL policy on performance-enhancing substances," the NFL said in statement.

"Hanson's suspension begins immediately.

"He will be eligible to return to the Eagles' active roster on Monday, December 7 following the team's December 6 game against the Atlanta Falcons."

Diuretic

Hanson's lawyer, David Cornwell, said in a statement that his client tested positive for a diuretic after last year's NFC title game against Arizona.

"The urine specimen that Joselio provided after the game tested positive for a diuretic," Cornwell said.

"Joselio did not use steroids or any other substance that would enhance his performance."

Cornwell revealed Hanson used the product because he "felt bloated" after eating a Chinese meal, taking a remedy that turned out to be a diuretic.

He also denounced the NFL's inclusion of diuretics on their banned list, saying it should not be assumed they are used to mask the use of performance-enhancing drugs.

"It is noteworthy that the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) recently implemented amendments that eviscerate the misplaced presumption about diuretics embedded in the NFL's steroid policy and reduce discipline for diuretics to include warnings and, where appropriate, suspension," Cornwell added.

Hanson, 28, has made 29 tackles and one interception during the first eight games of the season. The Eagles are currently second in the NFC East with a 5-3 record.