Houston Texans defensive lineman Denico Autry has been suspended for the first six games of the regular season due to a violation of the NFL’s performance-enhancer policy.
Autry has denied knowingly taking a banned substance but has accepted the suspension. He explained that he found out that a pharmacy, which filled a prescription for him, may have “intentionally, recklessly, or negligently” included a banned substance in his medication.
Autry can still take part in preseason practices and games. He will first be available to play in the regular season on October 20 against Green Bay. He apologized to the Texans organization, his teammates, and fans for any disruption caused by the positive test.
Autry, who is 34, has 59 career sacks in 10 NFL seasons. He recorded a career-high 11 1/2 sacks last season with the Tennessee Titans and signed a two-year, $20 million contract with the Texans in March.
“Throughout my 10-year NFL career, I have never used performance-enhancing drugs,” Autry said in a statement.
“I have been tested numerous times, with no positive results until this offseason, when I was shocked to learn that one of my tests was positive.”
Autry mentioned that his lawyer provided the NFL with evidence from his doctors showing he did not request or receive any banned substances.
