Wes Welker Molly: Broncos wide reciever denies using drug; 'I'm as shocked as everyone at today's news'
On Tuesday it was announced Denver Broncos wide receiver Wes Welker was suspended four games for violating the NFL's policy on performance-enhancing drugs. He will miss the first four games of the season.
There are reports that Welker failed a drug test due to the MDMA, also known as "Molly", he took while at the Kentucy Derby. The Broncos receiver is denying he took the recreational drug.
"I'm as shocked as everyone at today's news," Welker told The Denver Post through an email. "I want to make one thing abundantly clear: I would NEVER knowingly take a substance to gain a competitive advantage in any way.
"Anyone who has ever played a down with me, lifted a weight with me, even eaten a meal with me, knows that I focus purely on what I put in my body and on the hard work I put in year round to perform at the highest levels year-in and year-out."
Welker also told the Post:
I want any youth football players and all sports fans to know, there are NO shortcuts to success, and nothing but hard work and studying, leads to success.
I have never been concerned with the leagues performance enhancing or drug abuse policies because under no scenario would they ever apply to me, but I now know, that (drug-policy procedures) are clearly flawed, and I will do everything in my power to ensure they are corrected, so other individuals and teams aren't negatively affected so rashly like this.
I have worked my whole life to be the best that I can be, and I have encountered many obstacles over my career, and THIS WILL BE NO DIFFERENT!
Per ESPN and additional reports the Broncos were very upset at how the league handled Welker's suspension. The announcement came down less than a week before the start of the NFL regular season and the team had already finished their game plan for the Colts. (There was concern Welker would not be able to play Week 1 due to a concussion he suffered during the preseason. However, he was cleared to play this Sunday.)
"I wouldn't have any idea where to get a Molly or what a Molly is," Welker said. "That's a joke. I don't do marijuana, I don't do drugs. I don't do any drugs."
Welker had already appealed the suspension, attended a hearing for the appeal in late August. The appeal was denied.
Welker could be the second player suspended due to a connection to MDMA. Dallas Cowboys cornerback Orlando Scandrick was suspended four games earlier this summer due to his use of the substance.
