NFL notebook: Facing PED suspension, Edelman apologizes

[June 09, 2018]  New England Patriots receiver Julian Edelman apologized Friday, one day after reports emerged that he faces a four-game suspension for violating the NFL's policy on performance-enhancing substances.

Edelman indicated the matter is under appeal. He said he doesn't know how the alleged violation occurred.

"I am very sorry -- I don't know what happened," Edelman, who missed all of last season with a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee, wrote on his Instagram account. "I've taken many, many tests obviously over the course of my career, and nothing like this has ever happened. I apologize to [team owners] the Kraft family, my coaches, teammates and fans.

"As this matter is being appealed, I can't say anymore but no matter what, I will be ready to play and pursue another championship with our team and for Patriots fans around the world."

--Running back David Johnson was sidelined for part of the Arizona Cardinals' organized team activities this week, though the team has not disclosed the reason.

The workhorse back who missed nearly all of last season with a wrist injury missed practice time and watched Thursday's session from the sideline, according to the Arizona Republic. AZ Central's Kent Somers cited two NFL sources saying the injury is "not serious," and that Johnson is expected to participate in the team's minicamp next week.

Head coach Steve Wilks wasn't very expansive when asked about Johnson, who has been a full participant in voluntary activities previously this spring, saying, "It's the offseason, and I'm not going to really indulge in injuries or things like that. We're going to talk about the guys that are out there."

--Houston Texans safety Andre Hall has been diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma, the team announced.

The team said Hal, who started all 16 games last season, received a preliminary diagnosis from team physician Dr. James Muntz at Houston Methodist Hospital. Hal and the team's medical staff are in consultation with doctors at MD Anderson Cancer Center as the 26-year-old undergoes future testing while discussing treatment options.

"My faith in God and the support from my family, friends, teammates and coaches will see me through this difficult time," Hal said in a statement released by the Texans. "I will not let this diagnosis stop me from fulfilling my dreams and I do not want anyone to feel sorry for me. I know how to beat this and I will beat it."

--Fox is going all out as it prepares to take over broadcasts of Thursday night NFL games this season, announcing it will add both sideline reporters Erin Andrews and Kristina Pink to a broadcast team that already features its No. 1 announcer team in the booth.

Andrews has been with Fox since leaving ESPN in 2012 and has worked as the sideline reporter for the network's main announcing team of Joe Buck and Troy Aikman.

Pink has worked sideline duty for Fox on Sundays since 2012. Both will continue their Sunday duties as part of the arrangement.

--The Detroit Lions announced they will hold five joint practices with the Oakland Raiders and New York Giants during training camp.

The Lions will travel to the Raiders' training camp in Napa, Calif., to practice Aug. 7-8 ahead of the teams' preseason opener in Oakland on Aug. 10. Detroit will also host practices with the Giants on Aug. 14-16 before they face each other in a preseason game at Ford Field on Aug. 17.

New Lions coach Matt Patricia was hired from the New England Patriots, who regularly hold joint practices with other teams during camp.

--Kellen Winslow Jr., out of the NFL since 2013, was arrested on suspicion of burglary in Southern California on Thursday, according to multiple reports.

Winslow was arrested after police were called for a suspected break-in at a mobile home park in Encinitas, Calif. around 2:30 p.m. on Thursday. A neighbor had reported a suspicious person entering a residence that wasn't his, then leaving in a black SUV after being confronted.

Sheriff's Lt. Karen Stubkjaer told The San Diego Union-Tribune that Winslow had been "positively identified" after deputies in the area saw a vehicle matching the description of the SUV. Winslow, who grew up in the area and was a local prep star, was being held on $50,000 bail on one count of first-degree burglary on Thursday night.

--Field Level Media

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