San Diego Chargers backup defensive end Tenny Palepoi Monday received a four-game suspension without pay for violating the National Football League’s policy on performance-enhancing substances.
The suspension begins immediately, according to the Chargers. It will include the first game of the 2017 season.
“While disappointed to hear the news today about Tenny, we respect and support the league’s decision,” said a team statement. “We are confident that he will learn from this and understand what is expected of him in the future.”
Palepoi — who turns 26 on Dec. 19 — played in all 16 games in his rookie season in 2014, but missed last season after suffering a foot injury in training camp. He had 13 tackles in his reserve role this year.
Details of his violation were not released, and the NFL Players Association and the NFL did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
But The San Diego Union-Tribune reported Palepoi tested positive for Adderall, an amphetamine used by some athletes for increased endurance and alertness.
Tenny Palepoi tested positive for Adderall use, source close to Chargers lineman said. Loses four game checks. https://t.co/HO38DuuFGe
— Michael Gehlken (@sdutGehlken) December 12, 2016
— City News Service contributed to this report.
