New York Jets linebacker Brandon Copeland received a four-game suspension on Wednesday for violating the NFL’s policy on performance-enhancing drugs.
Copeland will miss the first four games of the 2019 regular season without pay, although he is eligible to participate in the team’s two remaining preseason contests. Copeland is eligible to return to New York’s active roster on Oct. 7, following the team’s Week 5 game against the Philadelphia Eagles.
The 28-year-old is the second member of the team that will serve a four-game ban to begin the season.
Tight end Chris Herndon was suspended earlier this year for a substance-abuse policy violation. Herndon pleaded guilty on Jan. 9 to a charge of driving while intoxicated, stemming from a multi-car accident in June 2018 in Rockaway Township, N.J.
Copeland recorded 35 tackles and 5.0 sacks in 16 games (10 starts) last season for the Jets.
He has collected 65 tackles and 5.5 sacks in 48 career games (11 starts) with the Detroit Lions (2015-16) and Jets (2018). Copeland missed the 2017 season with Detroit due to a torn pectoral muscle.
— Field Level Media
