49ers safety shocked by suspension: 'I have never even attempted to cheat the game'

A San Francisco 49ers player suspended for taking performance enhancing substances has come out and denied that he knowingly broke the rules.

On July 2, the NFL doled out a six-game suspension to free agent safety Tashaun Gipson for violating the league's performance enhancing substance policy, leading some to believe that the 33-year-old was going to retire.

On Monday, Gipson released a statement concerning his suspension, which included a declaration of his intentions to play next season.

ESPN's Adam Schefter reported on Gipson's statement , which read like one-thirdaccountability, one-third a denial of guilt, and one-third an "I'm coming back, baby!" reveal.

"During this offseason I took a supplement one time, which I thought to be completely safe and well within any of the NFL’s policies," Gipson's statement read, per Schefter. "It was in no way related to performance, training, or gaining an advantage of any kind at any time. I have competed at this level for a long time, and have nothing but respect for the game and the fraternity of players in it. The NFL’s policy on performance enhancing substances is clear, and I take full responsibility for anything I put into my body. It is with great disappointment that I accept this suspension, and I do so knowing that I have never even attempted to cheat the game. I look forward to returning for my 13th NFL season and helping a team compete for a championship."

Whether or not Gipson will be helping the 49ers compete for a championship is not known, but it's probable that another team will pick Gipson up if San Francisco chooses to move on.

Gipson was durable and effective all of last season for the 49ers, recording 60 tackles in 16 regular season starts in addition to 14 tackles in the playoffs.

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