Former 49ers safety Tashaun Gipson acknowledges six-game suspension, intends to play in 2024..
Former San Francisco 49ers safety Tashaun Gipson was suspended by the NFL for six games last week due to a violation of the NFL’s performance enhancing substance policy, creating some additional uncertainty regarding his future. Well, on Monday, Gipson cleared up some of the confusion, acknowledging in a public statement that he took a supplement, not knowing that it was not within the NFL’s policies. “During this offseason I took a supplement one time, which I thought to be completely safe and well within any of the NFL’s policies,” Gipson said. “It was in no way related to performance, training, or gaining an advantage of any kind at any time. I have competed at this level for a long time, and have nothing but respect
The NFL’s policy on performance enhancing substances is clear, and I take full responsibility for anything I put into my body. It is with great disappointment that I accept this suspension, and I do so knowing that I have never even attempted to cheat the game.” But, alongside the statement of accepting his six-game suspension, Gipson announced that he will return for a 13th NFL season with hopes of competing for a championship once again.
The safety spent the last two years with the 49ers, initially signing with the team late into training camp during the 2022 offseason before quickly earning a starting spot due to an injury to Jimmie Ward. From there, Gipson maintained his position and was a key cog on the defense as a starter for the past two seasons. With a six-game suspension looming, it’s unclear whether Gipson will look to join a team before the season, or will wait to see what opportunities arise as the year goes along. The 49ers were delving into the safety market earlier this offseason, bringing in Julian Blackmon for a visit before the free agent re-signed with the Indianapolis Colts.
They ultimately made a move in the draft, selecting Wake Forest’s Malik Mustapha in the fourth round to bolster their depth at the position. Could they be interested in a reunion with Gipson, who likely would prefer a contender once again? It’s a possibility to certainly think about with training camp just two weeks away.