Houston Texans’ defensive lineman Denico Autry has been sanctioned for the first six games of the regular season by the NFL due to a violation of the league’s policy on performance-enhancers. Despite denying knowledge of ingesting a banned substance, Autry has accepted the suspension. He explained that a pharmacy inadvertently included a prohibited substance in a prescription filled for him.
The suspension permits Autry to take part in preseason practices and games. His eligibility will resume on October 20 when the Texans play against Green Bay. Autry expressed regret to the Texans organization, his teammates, and fans for any disruptions caused by his positive test.
Aged 34, Autry has accumulated 59 sacks over his decade-long NFL career. Notably, he achieved a career-best of 11 1/2 sacks last season with the Tennessee Titans before signing a lucrative two-year, $20 million deal with the Texans earlier this year.
In a formal statement, Autry asserted, “Throughout my 10-year NFL career, I have not partaken in the use of performance-enhancing substances.” Additionally, Autry provided the NFL with documentation from his medical providers indicating that he neither sought nor was recommended any banned substances. Despite planning to explore legal avenues regarding the circumstances leading to his positive test, Autry has agreed to abide by the NFL’s verdict of a six-game suspension.
