Former 49ers S Tashaun Gipson accepts six-game PED suspension, vows to make NFL return

Jul 10, 2024, 11:41 AM

SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 08: Tashaun Gipson Sr. #31 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates an interception during the third quarter of the game against the Arizona Cardinals at Levi's Stadium on January 08, 2023 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

(Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

BY AMILIANO FRAGOSO

San Francisco 49ers Beat Writer

With the news surrounding Tashaun Gipson Sr. and his six-game suspension a little murky, the player has come out and taken full responsibility for the infraction.

The former San Francisco 49ers safety released a statement on the NFL’s decision to suspend him for six games for violating the league’s performance-enhancing substances. Gipson shed some light on the suspension, explaining that a unidentified supplement caused him to fail the league’s drug tests.

The player did not disclose what the supplement was, but did take full responsibility for his actions. Additionally, he stated that he in no way sought to gain an unfair advantage on the field.

A statement from veteran DB Tashaun Gipson, who was suspended last week for violating the NFL’s performance enhancing substances policy pic.twitter.com/O6d8AgsFT8

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 8, 2024

“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,” Tashaun Gipson said, via 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.”

Tashuan Gipson, 33, joined the 49ers on a one-year deal following 2022 training camp. Initially brought in for safety depth while S Jimmie Ward was injured, “Gip” quick ascended up the depth chart, starting 17 regular-season contests. He would follow that up with 16 regular-season starts in 2023, playing a total of 33 games for SF, including Super Bowl LVIII.

The University of Wyoming alum has had an illustrious 12-year career in the NFL, playing for five franchises. Gipson has recorded 684 combined tackles, 68 pass break-ups and 33 interceptions. He was excellent for the Red & Gold, with a 67.2 and 73.6 Pro Football Focus grade over the past two seasons.

Per reports, the 49ers and Gipson have mutual interest in a reunion for 2024. Those talks will have to come after his six-game suspension now.