Free agent safety Tashaun Gipson Sr. was suspended six games by the NFL on Tuesday after violating the league’s performance-enhancing substance abuse policy.
The suspension will not come into effect until the regular season, if and when Gipson signs with a team, after he was released by the San Francisco 49ers at the end of last season.
The 2014 Pro Bowler – earned while playing for the Cleveland Browns – still can participate in all preseason activities, including games, should he find a team.
The 33-year-old, who reportedly had been considering retirement, started all 33 games he played in over the last two seasons for the 49ers, making 121 tackles with six interceptions.
In 12 NFL seasons, Gipson has 684 tackles, 33 interceptions and three TDs in 173 games (165 starts) for the Browns (2012-15), Jacksonville Jaguars (2016-18), Houston Texans (2019), Chicago Bears (2020-21) and 49ers after going undrafted out of Wyoming.
Tashaun Gibson, pictured playing football with his kids, has been suspended for PED use
Gipson is currently a free agent after being released by the San Francisco 49ers this year
He went viral last season after slamming Patrick Mahomes’ ability while mic’d up on the sidelines of a game.
In the clip, Gipson can be seen telling his teammates: ‘Pat is just a regular QB bro, he regular bro, and we’re going to make his a** look regular. Keep doing it.’
Despite trailing at the half, Mahomes went on to lead the Chiefs past the 49ers in a 25-22 overtime win to secure their second straight title.
During his speech at the Chiefs’ parade, the QB addressed the crowd and was interrupted by his wife Brittany, who reminded him he’s ‘a regular quarterback.’
Gipson got to the Super Bowl with the 49ers – and is a previous Pro Bowler with the Browns
Safety Gipson branded Patrick Mahomes a ‘regular f****ng quarterback’ in the Super Bowl
‘It’s crazy, a defense can win the Super Bowl and still be underrated, and that’s what those boys have been doing. Can I get a shoutout for Harrison Butker? Can I get a shoutout for Tommy Townsend? Can I get a shoutout for James Winchester?’
‘No one’s ever done it, and we knew it’s legendary to win back-to-back,’ Mahomes added. ‘I think eight other teams have done it. We had heard it all week.
‘We had talked to the guys about it, and we felt like we had the best opportunity that we had ever had to go out there and do that.
‘We’ve got to continue to play our best football. We’ll celebrate these next few weeks, and then we’ll get right back at it.’