Kellen Winslow blames PED ban on allergy meds

Tight end Kellen Winslow returned to the Jets on Monday after serving his four-game suspension for violating the NFL’s policy on performance-enhancing drugs.

Winslow was leading the team in receptions when he was suspended. During that time, he could not be at the team’s training center or attend games. Winslow said Monday he is still unsure what caused his failed test.

“It’s something I really couldn’t control,” Winslow said. “I think it was something over my allergies, some medicine I was taking and it was on the banned substance list. It’s just life. You deal with stuff. People that know me know I’m not trying to gain an edge or something like that illegally. I respect the game too much for that.”

Winslow said he is waiting to hear from the NFLPA what exactly caused the failed test. He said he only changed one medication he was taking, but was not clear when pressed about that drug. Winslow said he got it from a doctor, but said it wasn’t a prescription but “more like vitamins.”

The NFL notified Winslow a couple of weeks before he was suspended, he said, but he chose not to appeal, saying he’d rather take the suspension early in the season. Winslow said he is not concerned about his reputation taking a hit.

“I know who I am and I’m comfortable with who I am and that’s not who I am,” Winslow said. “I’m not trying to go out and take illegal stuff. That’s just not what I do.”

Winslow’s playing time was reduced in the game before his suspension against the Falcons. He admitted he was bothered by that.

“I was frustrated about my playing time and I want to help my team more, but that happens,” he said. “There’s more games to be played and I’ll be utilized. I’ll be ready.”


(nypost.com)