Luke Gifford of the Dallas Cowboys has been suspended two games without pay for violating the NFL policy on performance-enhancing substances.
Gifford will be eligible to return to the Cowboys’ active roster on Friday, Dec. 4, following the team’s Week 13 game at Baltimore.
— Clarence Hill Jr (@clarencehilljr) November 24, 2020
The NFL has suspended second-year special teams player Luke Gifford for two games, according to several reports. His suspension is for violating the league’s performance-enhancing drug policy.
With recent changes to the NFL’s policy in the most recent CBA, it can be concluded that Gifford has been suspended at the banned-stimulant level and that this is his first offense. Stimulants and masking agents get two-game suspensions while first-time suspensions for anabolics was increased to six games for a first offense. A tampered test results in an eight-game ban.
Some examples of stimulants include common names such as Adderall and Phen-fen. For a full list of the banned list for all anabolic agents, masking agents and stimulants, reference Appendix A, here.
The former Nebraska Cornhusker was an undrafted free agent signing in 2019, but after a preseason injury sidelined him, struggled to find a role with the club outside special teams. His uphill battle became steeper with the new regime as he’s been buried on the depth chart in 2020. Gifford has appeared in just one defensive snap so far this season, along with 119 on special teams.
Gifford is a member of all four special teams units.
His suspension will open up a position on the Cowboys roster. They currently have six other linebackers on the 53-man roster.
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