A season with high expectations for David Onyemata in 2021 was handed a big buzzkill Friday morning when the defensive tackle posted on social media that he is facing suspension for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy.
The NFL officially announced the suspension at six games. Because the Saints have a bye in Week 6, that means Onyemata won't be eligible to play until the Saints' Week 8 game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 8. He'll be eligible to rejoin the team following the Saints' matchup with the Seahawks in Week 7.
Back in 2019, Onyemata received a one-game ban for a violation of the league's substance abuse policy after he was cited for having marijuana in his home.
He posted a career-best 6.5 sacks and 49 pressures last season. A suspension hurts the interior of the Saints defensive line, which lost Sheldon Rankins as well as Malcom Brown this past offseason. The Saints will look to Shy Tuttle and Malcolm Roach to step up their game in his absence.
Onyemata didn't specify what the substance was that prompted the positive test, but said "I am committed to being more aware of any medication and dietary supplements that may contain substances banned by the NFL."
Unapproved dietary supplements have previously been known to contain substances that could run afoul of the league's drug policy. In 2008, multiple Saints players were handed suspensions for such a positive test.
Onyemata did not indicate whether he plans to appeal the suspension. If he did choose to exercise that option, the suspension could potentially be reduced or removed entirely and he'd be eligible to play until the appeal is completed. Should he be ruled against, however, the six-game suspension would then go into affect and potentially hold Onyemata out of games later in the season.
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