Raiders QB Jimmy Garoppolo Suspended Violating NFL Drug Rule: Report

NFL suspends Las Vegas Raiders QB Jimmy Garoppolo for 2 games over alleged drug rule violation. Garoppolo reportedly won't appeal.

Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo has been suspended for the first two games of the 2024 season for an alleged violation of the NFL's drug policy. According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Garoppolo is being suspended for violating the Performance Enhancing Substances Policy by using a prescribed medication without a valid Therapeutic Use Exemption. Despite signing a 3-year contract with the Raiders in 2023, Garoppolo reportedly will not appeal the decision.

In addition to the suspension, the Raiders are expected to release Garoppolo before the fifth day of the new league year in mid-March, when he would earn an $11.25 million roster bonus. Whether or not he remains with the Raiders, the suspension will still apply to the first two games of the 2024 regular season. With new leadership in Vegas, there is reportedly no commitment to keeping Garoppolo, and the team is expected to draft a quarterback in the upcoming draft.

Garoppolo previously played for the New England Patriots and the San Francisco 49ers, with his best year coming in the 2019-2020 season when he led the 49ers to Super Bowl LIV. Despite the team's loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, Garoppolo's performance earned him a contract with the Raiders in 2023. However, his 2023 season saw him finish with a passer rating of 77.7, 1,205 yards, 7 touchdowns, and 9 interceptions in 7 games.

Overall, the future for Garoppolo in the NFL remains uncertain, with the suspension and potential release from the Raiders raising questions about his next steps in the league.