NFL player blames fertility medication for positive drug test

NFL player Nazeeh Johnson blamed fertility medication for his positive drug test, leading to a six-game suspension. The 28-year-old cornerback from the Tennessee Titans announced the reason behind the suspension in a statement on X. Johnson and his wife were undergoing fertility treatment after discovering he was infertile. He admitted he was unaware that the medication contained a substance prohibited by the NFL's rules.

The suspension began on August 30, though Johnson can still participate in preseason activities and games. The couple recently experienced the loss of a baby, adding to the difficulty of the situation. Despite this, they remain hopeful of growing their family, with nine viable eggs remaining. Johnson advised other NFL players to double-check medications for banned substances before use.

He warned against putting anything in the body without proper approval. Johnson joined the Titans in July after four seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs, a seventh-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. He played in 29 games for Kansas City and was part of their Super Bowl-winning team. Johnson's suspension means he will miss the Titans' first six regular-season games if he remains on the roster, becoming eligible for reinstatement on October 19.

Johnson's wife appealed the suspension but it was denied by the NFL, despite submitting over 50 documents.