Eagles tackle Lane Johnson: Impeding suspension like 'waiting for execution'
Philadelphia Eagles tackle Lane Johnson says that the wait for his possible suspension for performance-enhancing drug use is "like waiting for an execution date."
Johnson is reportedly facing a 10-game ban after saying he took an approved amino acid, but still came up testing positive for a banned drug. The NFL has yet to announce any conclusion in the case.
“It’s like waiting for an execution date,” Johnson said to USA Today. “It’s mentally frustrating. It’s been living hell for the past month, having to think about it all the time, knowing that one of the players who was really going to help the team this year is not going to be able to do it.”
Eagles head coach Doug Pederson had said the team is preparing for Johnson to be suspended by the NFL and has been shuffling around its offensive line.
Johnson can continue playing in preseason and regular season games until his appeal is heard. The Eagles have two preseason games remaining and begin the regular season against the Cleveland Browns on Sept. 11.
"I just get a little more pissed off each day, to be honest,” Johnson said. “That’s where I’m at right now. It’s just been frustrating coming in wanting to have a good season, and here, [stuff] hits the fan again and you have to go through this stuff all over again. It’s been mentally frustrating and it’s been hard to concentrate on what you need to concentrate on.”
If Johnson is suspended his could lose out on the guaranteed money he received as part of a five-year, $63 million contract extension he signed in January, which included $35.5 million in guarantees.
- Scooby Axson
