Lane Johnson Suspension Appeal: Latest News and Rumors Surrounding Eagles RT
Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Philadelphia Eagles offensive tackle Lane Johnson is reportedly set for an appeal hearing Oct. 4, as he looks to avoid a 10-game suspension for violating the NFL's policy against performance-enhancing drugs for the second time.
Continue for updates.
Tuesday, Sept. 20
According to Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia Inquirer, Johnson played the first two games of the season while awaiting the results of his B sample, and it was revealed Monday that the B sample confirmed his failed test, which was first reported in July.
Per ESPN.com's Tim McManus, Johnson can continue playing during the appeals process, and his suspension will begin Oct. 9 if he comes out on the losing end.
In August, Johnson placed blame on the NFL Players Association for not going to greater lengths in terms of determining which supplements are allowed to be taken, per ESPN.com's Phil Sheridan:
Every substance I've taken has been approved by the Aegis Shield app, which the NFLPA gives us. That's the only thing the NFLPA gives us to test our products.
I feel like the players have no rights. The supplement industry is not regulated, so you do not know what's in it. That's hard to believe, coming from a second-time offender, but I want that to be clear -- that the NFLPA does not stand up for players.
They don't check the supplements. They give us an app. Then if you call and ask them if you test positive for something they approve, it doesn't matter.
Johnson was suspended four games in 2014 for his first violation of the NFL's performance-enhancing substances policy.
With the exception of that four-game suspension, Johnson has played in and started every game of his four-year NFL career for the Eagles at offensive tackle.
The 2013 first-round pick out of Oklahoma is likely to be replaced at right tackle by veteran Allen Barbre should his suspension be upheld. That would allow rookie third-round pick Isaac Seumalo to slide into a starting role at left guard.
Philadelphia is off to a 2-0 start and is tied with the New York Giants for first place in the NFC East, but losing Johnson for an extended period of time could hurt its playoff chances significantly due to the adverse impact it would have on protecting rookie quarterback Carson Wentz.
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