Cardinals’ Patrick Peterson Suspended For Violating NFL’s PED Policy

Arizona Cardinals Pro Bowl cornerback Patrick Peterson has reportedly been suspended for the team’s first six games for violating the NFL’s performance-enhancing drug policy.

According to ESPN, the details regarding what Peterson took and when he took it remains confidential, but he has dropped his appeal. As a result, he will miss Arizona’s first six games against the Detroit Lions, Baltimore Ravens, Carolina Panthers, Seattle Seahawks, Cincinnati Bengals and Atlanta Falcons.

The eight-time Pro Bowler will be eligible to return for the team’s October 20 road game against the New York Giants. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that the six-game ban will cost Peterson $3,882,352.

Peterson, who is one of just 13 players to make the Pro Bowl in each of his first eight NFL seasons, has started all 128 games since being drafted by the Cardinals in 2011. He has 23 interceptions during that span, which is tied for third-most in the NFL.

The Cardinals were reportedly aware of Peterson’s pending suspension prior to last month’s NFL Draft, where they selected former Washington Huskies cornerback Byron Murphy with the 33rd overall pick.