Dolphins defensive end Dion Jordan bulked up this offseason, and now there may be questions raised about his methods of bulking up.
Jordan has been suspended for the first four games of the regular season for violating the NFL’s policy on performance-enhancing substances. The Dolphins have announced the suspension, and although there is no official word on which substance Jordan was found to have taken, he said in a statement that he took a banned stimulant.
“I recently learned from the NFL that I tested positive for stimulants that are banned under the NFL policy,” Jordan said. “I worked carefully with my advisors and the union to investigate the test results, and I take full responsibility for the test results. I’m very sorry for the impact of this situation on my teammates, coaches, Stephen Ross, the entire Dolphins organization, fans and my family as well. I will continue to work extremely hard during training camp and preseason. During the suspension, I will stay in top shape and will be ready to contribute upon my return.”
Said Dolphins head Coach Joe Philbin, “We were disappointed to learn about Dion’s suspension. Dion has accepted responsibility for his actions and is committed to improving, both on and off the field, in preparation for the upcoming year.”
The Dolphins loved Jordan so much in last year’s draft that they traded up to take him with the third overall pick, but he had a somewhat disappointing rookie year. He was used only as a substitute, never as a starter, and finished the season with just 2.0 sacks. There were reports during the offseason this year that the Dolphins were floating Jordan’s name in trade talks, although the Dolphins always denied those reports.
Now the Dolphins will play the first four games of this season without Jordan. Jordan will miss Weeks 1-4 and then be eligible to return to the team in Week 5, which is the Dolphins’ bye. The first game he will be eligible to play is Week 6 against the Packers.