Jets’ Winslow suspended 4 games by NFL for PEDs

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — New York Jets tight end Kellen Winslow Jr. was suspended without pay for four games by the NFL on Friday for violating the league’s policy on performance enhancing substances.

Winslow, the team’s leading receiver with 17 catches, is immediately beginning his suspension, meaning he will sit out the Jets’ game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday.

“It came as a huge surprise to me when I learned that I tested positive for a banned substance,” Winslow said in a statement issued by his publicist. “I have investigated all possible sources since learning of the positive test, including possible medical causes, but frustratingly, I do not know the source.

“I do not take supplements that list any banned ingredients, but the NFL policy is very strict, so I am accountable for the results.”

He will be eligible to return to the Jets’ active roster on Nov. 4, following New York’s game against New Orleans on Nov. 3.

The Jets have a bye-week break after they play the Saints, so Winslow’s next opportunity to play would be on Nov. 17 at Buffalo.

“I sincerely apologize to my teammates, coaches and Jets fans for this situation,” Winslow said. “I will work extremely hard during this time away from the field and look forward to contributing to the team as soon as the suspension ends.”

Winslow had been listed as doubtful on the Jets’ injury report on Friday, and coach Rex Ryan excused him from participating in practice but declined to go into details.

“I’d rather not get into it,” Ryan said. “I excused him. I’ll just say that.”

The 30-year-old Winslow, in his first year with the Jets, has been dealing with a balky right knee all season that kept him out of practice all week. He hasn’t missed any games, though, and has two touchdown catches, including one in New York’s 30-28 victory at Atlanta on Monday night.

But he didn’t speak to reporters after the win, and uncharacteristically chose to not speak in the locker room after practice all week. That led to speculation that perhaps he was unhappy with his role in the offense. Last season, Winslow played in just one game with New England before asking to be released because he anticipated a lack of playing time behind Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez. He went to training camp with the Seattle Seahawks in 2012 but was cut before the regular season started.

Ryan said on Friday that he hadn’t been approached by Winslow about his role, which is the No. 2 tight end behind Jeff Cumberland. He was unsure, however, if Winslow had spoken to offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg.

“We have to look at it this way: We have a really good tight end in Jeff Cumberland, and this is a guy who’s a young stud tight end,” Ryan said. “You look at him, he’s a big guy, can block and he does a nice job receiving. He’s a good player.”

Before the suspension was announced, Ryan was asked if he expected Winslow to remain with the team, and the coach answered simply, “Yes.”

Ryan was then asked if he thought Winslow might not want to remain with the team.

“I think you’d have to ask him those types of questions,” Ryan said. “What I can tell you about Kellen is he’s done a tremendous job here and a guy, and I laughed about it, I said he’s a warrior. He wasn’t lying when he said that. We got the video out of it. But that’s him: a great competitor.

“That’s what he’s brought here.”

It is likely that tight end Zach Sudfeld, claimed off waivers from New England last week, will make his debut with the Jets on Sunday with Winslow out. Along with Cumberland, New York also has Konrad Reuland on the roster at the position.

Since Winslow will be placed on the suspended list, the Jets will have an open spot on their 53-man roster.

Winslow was offered a tryout by the Jets in minicamp in June, and signed him a few days later. The former Pro Bowl tight end had a terrific debut, catching a team-leading seven passes for 79 yards and a touchdown. He is only two years removed from catching 75 passes for Tampa Bay in 2011, but his surgically repaired right knee made him a low-risk, high-reward option for the Jets.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

Dennis Williams, head coach and GM of the Everett Silvertips, shakes hands with an assistant coach at the end of a season opening victory over the Vancouver Giants on Saturday, Sep. 24, 2022, at Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Coach, GM Williams leaving Silvertips for Bowling Green State

After seven successful season leading Everett, Dennis Williams is heading back to his alma mater. He’ll stay with the Tips through the WHL playoffs.

Everett’s Alana Washington poses for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 Girls Basketball Player of the Year: Alana Washington

The Everett senior upped her game in the postseason to help the Seagulls overcome injuries and claim their first state trophy in 41 years.

Left to right, Arlington’s Samara Morrow, Kamiak’s Bella Hasan, Everett’s Alana Washington, Lake Steven’s Nisa Ellis, Lynnwood’s Aniya Hooker, and Meadowdale’s Gia Powell, pose for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 All-Area girls basketball teams

A look at the top prep girls basketball players in the area from the 2023-24 season.

Silvertips players celebrate during a game between the Everett Silvertips and Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024. The Silvertips won, 5-3. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Silvertips land No. 1 pick, chance to draft generational talent

Landon DuPont is the consensus top pick in next WHL prospects draft. Everett chief operating officer Zoran Rajcic said the team intends to select him.

Mountlake Terrace’s Jaxon Dubiel talks with head coach Nalin Sood during the 3A boys state basketball game against Todd Beamer on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024 in Tacoma, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
‘It was just time’: Mountlake Terrace basketball coach Sood steps down

Nalin Sood guided his alma mater to 381 wins and 15 state berths in 24 seasons as head coach. He spent over four decades with the program.

Stanwood High School student athletes during their signing day ceremony. (Courtesy of Stanwood High School)
Local class of 2024 athletes who have signed to play in college

A running list of 2024 high school athletes who are set to compete at the next level.

X
Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26

Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Silvertips’ Kaden Hammell (47) enters the rink during a game between the Everett Silvertips and the Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Patterson: Overachieving Silvertips had season worth celebrating

In a season when some thought the team’s playoff streak could end, Everett put together one of its greatest campaigns.

Washington State athletic director Pat Chun, center, watches players on the first day of NCAA college football practice, Friday, Aug. 6, 2021, in Pullman, Wash. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
Washington hires AD Chun away from rival Washington State

UW quickly targeted its in-state rival’s athletic director after Troy Dannen’s sudden departure.

Seattle Mariners' Mitch Haniger hits a single against the San Diego Padres during the fourth inning of a spring training baseball game Monday, March 11, 2024, in Peoria, Ariz. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
Why the Mariners could win the AL West, and what could hold them back

Starting pitching, a renovated offense and regression in the AL West are in Seattle’s favor, but injury issues, bullpen concerns and the Houston Astros could be a problem.

X
Vote for The Herald’s Prep Athlete of the Week for March 18-24

The Athlete of the Week nominees for March 18-24. Voting closes at… Continue reading

X
Prep roundup for Wednesday, March 27

Prep roundup for Wednesday, March 27: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.