Atlanta Falcons: Joe Hawley suspended for four games
Atlanta Falcons' Jacquizz Rodgers (22) celebrates his touchdown catch against the Carolina Panthers with teammate Joe Hawley (61) during the third quarter of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Dec. 11, 2011. AP
FLOWERY BRANCH – Falcons lineman Joe Hawley was suspended for four games for violating the league’s substance abuse policy on Monday.
“Joe Hawley of the Atlanta Falcons has been suspended without pay for the team’s next four games for violating the NFL policy on performance enhancing substances,” according to a statement from the league.
Hawley’s suspension begins immediately. He will be eligible to return to the Falcons’ active roster on Monday, December 17 following the team’s game against the New York Giants on Dec. 16.
Hawley tested positive for Adderall and not any anabolic steroids, according to his agent Kevin Omell.
In September, Joe Hawley made a mistake by taking an Adderall pill. He did not file the paperwork to apply for an exemption for this medication, and now understands that the NFL/NFLPA drug policies have strict rules.
“He is sincerely sorry to his teammates, coaches and Falcons fans for the consequences of this oversight,” according to a statement released by Omell. “Joe will work diligently every day of this suspension to stay in top football shape and be ready to help the team continue the success they’ve achieved thus far this season. He has chosen to be immediately accountable for the situation which is why he will not exercise his appeal rights and will begin serving the suspension immediately.”
Adderall has been on the league’s banned substance list since 2006.
The NFLPA issues a handbook to players each year with list of the banned substances.
Hawley made a mistake and plans to immediately serve his suspension, according to Omell.
Hawley is the backup center and guard. He played one play against Arizona, when Todd McClure left the game with an undisclosed injury.
Hawley started 12 games last season at guard and center. His spot on the game-day active roster will likely be taken by rookie Phillipkeith Manley.
Peter Konz, who starts at right guard, would assume the backup center role.
Hawley tested positive during a routine test administered by the NFL. Adderall, which can be used to treat symptoms linked to attention deficit disorder and narcolepsy, is among the league’s list of banned substance but can be used legally in the NFL as long as a player applies for an exemption from the league.
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78 comments Add your comment
hiramsaint
November 19th, 2012
9:31 pm
I think Vitt will be a better fit in NO than Sean. Jerry will get him after the suspension. Vilma is running out of time and all OJs lawyers are deceased. I think I got concussed by a Falcon fan for the hate blogging the best I can recall. So, I went to church Sunday to ask for forgiveness of my sins.
Beau Bock
November 19th, 2012
10:18 pm
Joe Hawley should’ve consulted me first.
Falcon James
November 19th, 2012
10:33 pm
This is not good news. I was looking forward to Hawley replacing McClure to improve the run game. Guess we will just have to wait.
Todd
November 19th, 2012
10:59 pm
Hawley wasn’t gonna replace McClure this season though unless there was an injury.
Sham Newton
November 19th, 2012
11:17 pm
Bravesfan79 that was a funny A$$ comment on Turner about the adderall I had tears on my eyes laughing, but I think Turner needs more than adderall maybe a combination of pink lemonade 5 hour energy a rocking chair and a room at the nursing home. If his lucky he can have half of my Viagra, that’s only if he can get off the rocking chair to the Super Bowl I mean Toilet Bowl from 1 yard away.
LOL at The Aints
November 19th, 2012
11:25 pm
Nice Try JSS, but that was pretty lame LOL!
LOL at The Aints
November 19th, 2012
11:30 pm
Moron?
LOL at The Aints
November 19th, 2012
11:37 pm
JSS, been studying up on that whole question mark thing you speak of, I find it very usefull when conversing with you., Loser,, LOL
LOL at The Aints
November 19th, 2012
11:41 pm
Somebody needs a nap and it aint me LOL,,
Loser
November 19th, 2012
11:41 pm
FIRST
JSS
November 20th, 2012
4:07 am
@ Ledbetter…
Absolutely typical gutless user-name stealer…
(FAKE) JSS
November 19th, 2012
8:20 pm
“Enter your comments here”
(FAKE) JSS
November 19th, 2012
8:55 pm
“NFL network predicts Falcons #1 in nfc, Tampa last playoff spot and Aints out.”
JSS
November 20th, 2012
4:29 am
To my detractors and since most of you have the mentality of 12 year olds, here’s something even you can understand!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XBhQuMS5E9M&feature=relmfu
Millard Baker
November 20th, 2012
6:20 am
So amphetamines were freely permitted in the NFL until 2006?
Jimmy Crack
November 20th, 2012
7:53 am
Adderall, whatever. At least it wasn’t a starter like BakerBWAHAHAHAHA.
Susan
November 20th, 2012
7:58 am
Soooo he is suspended for ’substance abuse’, but Turner – the same man that was arrested for DUI isn’t? Wow….How unfair is that!!!!!
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November 20th, 2012
9:18 am
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DR. FALCON
November 20th, 2012
9:46 am
DUMB ASS! ANOTHER BLACK EYE FOR THE FRANCHISE! YOU KNEW IT WAS WRONG! THE NFL IS VERY OPEN ABOUT THESE THINGS! YOU KNEW BETTER! NO EXCUSE! MGMT, SHOULD RELEASE YOUR ASS! THAT’S REAL TALK!!!!!
frankie
November 20th, 2012
9:55 am
why is it the first thing these athletes say is they did not know what they were taking…do they routinely put things in their mouths that they know nothing about..
Cut his bumm and pick up a real player..
frankie
November 20th, 2012
9:58 am
@susan….how is alcohol changing the way you play..it has no long lasting effects or body/performance enhancing qualities…
i am sure that if Turner “the slow cooker” does t again he will get a game suspension..
Hell how does a white kid get 6 months for possession of cocaine and a black kid gets 20years for the possession….of crack
just sayin…
cybo
November 20th, 2012
9:59 am
@ jdawg
TURNER IS DONE. SORRY TO GIVE YOU BAD NEWS.
Atlanta Falcons: Joe Hawley suspended for four games | football-feed.com
November 20th, 2012
10:04 am
[...] to Original Content From Atlanta Journal Constitution (blog): read more Related Articles Share About Author [...]
Dwayne
November 20th, 2012
10:24 am
Frankie, find another site for your crack/cocaine comments.
dap01
November 20th, 2012
11:18 am
I hope that all taxpayers are able to contribute to the Falcons getting a new dome. We all need to feel our duty to help wealthy people make more money. The GA Dome is so old, it is embarrassing for ATL to have such a run down facility.
We need a new structure like the Superdome in New Orleans in order to get a great team and a chance to host the Super Bowl.
We owe Author Blank so much for owing the Falcons. Perhaps Author will share some revenue with the taxpayers each year.
Flacons R idiots
November 20th, 2012
12:26 pm
As sorry as he was and the drugs did nuttin to help? Just imagane how sorry he will be now.
PB
November 20th, 2012
12:29 pm
Whoever said this is Roger Goodell’s fault and he should be fired, is wasting their time. He works for the NFL owners, and they seem to like him. And players like Joe Hawley know the rules regarding all the legal and illegal supplements.
North FLA Falcon
November 20th, 2012
12:29 pm
Hawley has not impressed. No biggie. Time for Konz and Holmes to step in. Konz has proven himself. Let’s see if Holmes is a bust or not.
goFalcons
November 20th, 2012
1:15 pm
The rules are VERY strict. They are not even allowed to take any OTC pre energy powder mixes from any workout store because thanks to Utah, they do not have to list the ingredients in the drink. Before to long it would not surprise me if drinking red bull or monster energy drinks will make you test positive. GO FALCONS
GO Falcons..!!!
November 20th, 2012
1:41 pm
They’ll have to start passing more. 52+ per game. Short underneath routes.