Tashaun Gipson accepts six-game suspension; free-agent safety plans to play 13th NFL season

Free-agent safety Tashaun Gipson accepted his six-game suspension for violating the NFL’s performance-enhancing policy and plans to play a 13th campaign upon completing the ban.

“In the offseason, I used a supplement once, believing it to be entirely safe and within the NFL’s guidelines,” Gipson stated. “It was absolutely unrelated to performance, training, or gaining an unfair advantage. I’ve competed at this level for a lengthy period and hold nothing but respect for the sport and its players. I am fully aware of the NFL’s stringent policy on performance-enhancing substances, and I accept full accountability for what I consume. It’s with great regret that I acknowledge this suspension, but I do so confident in the fact that I’ve never tried to deceive the sport. I’m eagerly anticipating my 13th NFL season and the opportunity to aid a team in their championship pursuit.”

The league announced last week that Gipson was suspended for the first six games of the 2024 season. The safety is eligible to sign and participate in all preseason activities, including games. His suspension will take effect with the roster reduction to 53 players.

Gipson has been with the San Francisco 49ers for the last two seasons, playing as a starter in 33 matches and all six playoff games, including Super Bowl LVIII. Despite not being drafted in 2012 from Wyoming, Gipson managed to build a career in Cleveland, earning a Pro Bowl recognition in 2014. After that, he moved to Jacksonville, Houston, Chicago, and finally, San Francisco.

The safety market has remained static this offseason, leaving a number of prominent veterans as free agents as we approach training camp. Gipson, aged 33, aspires to prolong his career, but the suspension could possibly compel him to bide his time until during the season to see if he can find a prospective partner.