Months after taking appetite suppressants while trying to cut weight, Bears rookie tackle Tayo Fabuluje was suspended four games Tuesday for violating the league’s policy on performance enhancing substances.
Sources confirmed that Fabuluje took the over-the-counter suppressant during training camp. His suspension began Tuesday, and allows him to return to the Bears’ roster on Dec. 7.
“I was recently informed that I tested positive for an amphetamine after taking a supplement that did not list any banned substances on the label,” he said in a statement. “As a result, I will be serving a four game suspension.
“Although it was not intentional, and I would never knowingly take a banned substance, I recognize that I am ultimately responsible as an
NFL player for everything that goes in my body. I sincerely apologize to my teammates, the Chicago Bears organization and our fans and can’t wait to come back and contribute to my team.”
When the Bears drafted the TCU tackle in the sixth round, he said his ideal weight was around 330 pounds and that he cut out sweet tea and fatty foods to reach it.
Fabuluje, who is listed as 6-6, 342 pounds, struggled with asthma during his first pro training camp. He appeared in Games 4-7 when tackle Jermon Bushrod was injured. He was a feel-good story on the NFL draft, being selected by the Bears despite not playing the 2013 season at all, choosing to get a job to support his sister.
The Bears elevated wide receiver Deonte Thompson to fill Fabuluje’s spot on the active roster — and perhaps to help cover for the loss of injured Eddie Royal — and added tackle Martin Wallace to the practice squad. Wallace, who is 6-6, 330, spent parts of last season and this one on the Buccaneers’ practice squad.
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