NFL suspends 3 Broncos for violating substance-abuse policy

Williams, McBean and Green have been suspended after testing positive for substances on the NFL's banned list. (Getty Images)

Broncos players D.J. Williams and Ryan McBean have been suspended six games for violating the league's substance-abuse policy, KCNC-TV in Denver reported Friday (via CBSSports.com Rapid Reporter Andrew Mason). The two plan to file federal lawsuits claiming that their samples were tampered with.

A third player, tight end Virgil Green, has been suspended four games for violations of the league's substance-abuse policy, according to Rotoworld.com.

Two league sources told the Denver Post that Williams and McBean tested positive for performance enhancing substances on the league's banned list.

The Broncos issued the following statement: "We are aware of this matter, but due to the confidentiality of the program, we are unable to provide additional comment on the situation."

Williams released a statement of his own obtained by ProFootballTalk.com.

“I understand from media reports today that the NFL has announced a suspension based on a specimen that the NFL acknowledges did not contain steroids or any illegal substance. Instead, the NFL contends that I provided a non-human specimen. I have never failed a test of any kind – for steroids or illegal substances – during my eight-year pro career. ..."

Williams continued: "We proved — conclusively — at the NFL hearing on this matter that the NFL and its specimen collector wholly failed in their duties to safeguard and process my specimen properly. In fact, the specimen collector was fired by the NFL after compromising my specimen as well as others'.

"We will be vigorously pursuing my rights in the judicial system. My suspension is unjust; the NFL has undermined and corrupted its own steroid policy.”

And Green told ESPN's Josina Anderson that "I was suspended for four games for taking ADHD medication prior to obtaining an exemption from the League. I have now obtained the proper exemption to take the medication that has been prescribed to me to treat my condition. I apologize to my teammates, coaches and fans for my mistake and will make sure to never let anything like this happen again.”

Williams led the team with 70 tackles last season and he was second in sacks with five. McBean, who started three games, added 19 tackles and four sacks. Green, a rookie, had just three receptions for 24 yards.

In other suspension news, the Houston Chronicle's John McClain tweeted Friday that Texans punter Brett Hartmann will miss four games for violating substance abuse policy.

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