Saints rookie Jake Haener suspended 6 games for violating NFL's PED policy

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New Orleans Saints rookie quarterback Jake Haener has been suspended six games after the league announced Wednesday that he violated its performance-enhancing drug policy.

Haener, a fourth-round pick out of Fresno State, will be eligible to return to the Saints’ roster on Oct. 16. In the meantime, he is suspended without pay before his first year in the NFL even begins, forfeiting $250,000 of his $750,000 base salary for the season. 

In a statement provided by NFL Network, Haener said he isn’t sure how the banned substance entered his body.

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Quarterback Jake Haener of the New Orleans Saints is shown during a preseason game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, on August 20, 2023. (John McCoy/Getty Images)

"I recently learned that I tested positive for a substance banned by the NFL earlier this summer," Haener wrote. "I still do not know how the substance got into my body, as none of my supplements or prescribed medications contain the banned ingredient. 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."

"I am disappointed to be away from the team for the coming weeks, but I will learn and grow from this experience. I look forward to returning to the team as soon as possible."

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Haener was practicing with New Orleans on Wednesday prior to his positive test results going public.

He has been the third-team