This season started out a bit unsettling for the New Orleans Saints, as their rookie quarterback Jake Haener has been suspended for the first six games of this season, 2023. As per the league’s transaction wire, Haener has violated the performance-enhancing drug policy of the NFL.
Jake Haener got selected in the fourth round of this year’s draft after a first-team All-Mountain West campaign. Around 14 quarterbacks were selected, among which Haener was the sixth and the first to play on Day 3. Although the New Orleans Saints had three other quarterbacks, Haener earned himself a position on the Saints’ 53-man roster.
The NFL has suspended #Saints 4th-round rookie QB Jake Haener for the first 6 games of the regular season. pic.twitter.com/jmkQJJfvPw
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) September 6, 2023
As he would not be present in the first six games of this season, Haener will be allowed to turn to the Saints’ active roster on October 16th. With his suspension in mind, the rookie quarterback will be paid only around $240,000 of his $750,000 base salary.
But the quarterback couldn’t escape the backlash he received from fans. One fan tweeted, “Really liked him. Now he’s dead to me.” While one wrote, “How tf you taking PED’s and your ass JUST got in the league?!?! I’m done with bruh.” “Nobody can look that smooth without PEDs,” said another.
Fans are absolutely shocked to hear the news, as one wrote, “What?! The Fresno kid? Shocker.”
Along with Haener, there is one other New Orleans player suspended this year, named Alvin Kamara, as a running back. He is suspended for the first three games of this season for violating the personal conduct policy of the league.
The statement made by Saint rookie quarterback Jake Haener
Regarding his six-game suspension for violating the PED policy, Saints rookie quarterback Jake Haener made a statement on social media. He said, “I recently learned that I tested positive for a substance banned by the NFL earlier this summer. I still do not know how the substance got into my body, as none of my supplements or prescribed medications contain the banned ingredient.”
Statement from #Saints rookie QB Jake Haener on his six-game suspension for violating the PED policy: pic.twitter.com/7A31mErqjd
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) September 6, 2023
“I would never knowingly cheat the game that I love, however, I must take full responsibility for the failed test. I apologize to the Saints organization, my friends and my family for any distraction this suspension may cause,” he further added.
Haener expresses his disappointment in himself for not being part of the team for the coming weeks. He considers this a learning experience that will help him get better. He also added that he very much looks forward to coming back to the game.
For most of the summer, Haener worked as quarterback for Saint’s third team, behind Jameis Winston and Derek Carr. In the games, he completed 38 out of 72 passes for 395 yards, with one touchdown and three interceptions. He was later listed as the quarterback for the fourth team after the New Orleans Saints shifted Taysom Hill’s position from tight end to quarterback on Monday.
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