David Chao, MD
2 min read • February 16, 2024
Posted in
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo tested positive for a banned substance and has been suspended for the first two games of the 2024 regular season.
The team is reportedly expected to release Garoppolo before the fifth day of the new league year in mid-March, saving the team $11.25 million in roster bonus money.
As Dr. David Chao explains above, the public will likely never know what exactly Garoppolo tested positive for, unless Garoppolo decides to announce it publicly.
Media reports indicate the policy violation was related to him using a prescribed medication without having a valid Therapeutic Use Exemption.
This situation arises when a player gets prescribed medication (such as adderall) from a doctor not affiliated with the team and does not file the correct paperwork to get it approved by the league.
If Garoppolo had mentioned this prescription to team doctors, this situation likely could have been avoided. As Chao highlighted in the video above, there are certain prescriptions that definitely cannot be taken and some that would need a league review before being approved or denied.
The fact that Garoppolo isn’t appealing the suspension does not mean he tested positive for anabolic steroids, it simply means he looked at his options and wasn’t likely to have the decision reversed on appeal.
In six starts with the Raiders, Garoppolo averaged 200.83 yards per game with a 64.9% completion percentage, 7 touchdowns and 9 interceptions.
Las Vegas was 3-3 in those games, including wins against the Broncos, Patriots and Packers.
Garoppolo, 32, is owed a base salary of $11.25 million in 2024 but the team will save $11.25 million in roster bonus money by cutting him in mid-March.
In his rookie season with the Raiders, fourth-round draft selection Aidan O’Connell averaged 201.6 yards per game with a 62.1% completion percentage, 12 touchdowns and 7 interceptions.
O’Connell projects to be the starter next season, but the team also has veteran QB Brian Hoyer under contract for one more season.
Written by David Chao, MD
