While Denver Broncos’ fans were awaiting word on wide receiver Wes Welker’s status from his third concussion in ten games, the four-game suspension for allegedly testing positive for an amphetamine caught everyone by surprise. Pro Football Talk reported that the amphetamine was found in an adulterated recreational drug “Molly” that Welker allegedly took while attending the Kentucky Derby in May.
Denver Broncos’ Welker Denial: ‘Say It Ain’t So Wes’
Welker denied that he intentionally took the drug which from a failure to take responsibility angle may be even more disappointing in the end. Credibility is everything. Welker has now put his credibility on the line.
Welker said in an email to the Denver Post that he was “shocked as everyone” and he “would NEVER knowingly take a substance to gain an advantage in any way.” Welker also speculated that someone may have put something in his drink at the Derby stating that, “I wouldn’t have any idea where to get a Molly or what a Molly is.” While we may never know the truth, however ‘methinks Welker doth protest too much’.
Under current NFL policy, the NFL cannot respond to counter what an athlete says. Players often claim they took Adderall or some other innocuous drug as a defense and the NFL cannot say a word in response. In NFL and other sports, we have seen many players claim they are innocent only to be later proved to be not truthful in their denials (see Braun, Ryan). Frankly, it would have been preferable that Welker admitted he took a recreational drug that unknowingly was adulterated with an amphetamine than a questionable denial.
Then, Welker could argue that he should not be suspended as a first time offender of taking a substance abuse recreational drug and not a performance enhancing drug which carries mandatory suspension. Indeed, according to SB Nation and Pro Football Talk, there is talk the NFL may cut a deal with the NFL Players Association that off-season use of amphetamines be considered substance abuse and not performance enhancing. In return, HGH testing would be instituted. This change would help players like Welker and Josh Gordon.
Yes, Welker could be telling the truth, but past athletes like Marion Jones, Lance Armstrong, Manny Ramirez, Roger Clemens, and Ryan Braun have taught us to be skeptical of denial stories. It simply doesn’t seem credible that Welker doesn’t know “what a Molly is” even if he has never used it. Wes, say it ain’t so and take responsibility for your actions. Get well and we will see you week six.
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