An NFL reporter, Aaron Wilson, reported that the 49ers’ Isaac Alarcon was suspended for six games for violating the NFL performance-enhancing drug policy. The offensive tackle Alarcon was a part of Kyle Shanahan’s practice. Per the NFL’s punishment, he will not be able to play the first six games when the upcoming season kicks off.
But do you know that since he was inducted into the league, he has never played a single NFL game? He has remained active in practice sessions only. Though he will face the wrath of being banned from six NFL games, the league has not restricted the player from appearing in exhibition games, practice sessions, and camps.
He joined Brock Purdy’s team after completing four years with the Dallas Cowboys. Isaac Alarcon is actually a member of the International Player Pathway Program. Born in Mexico, he became a part of the league five years ago. But the OT has now been flagged for some fishy behaviour. Even though he has not played a single regular-season game, taking performance-enhancing drugs is a legal crime in any sport.
According to USA Today’s 2022 report, at least 258 NFL players had tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs and violated the policy. From 2018 to 2022, the NFL saw 82 players who violated the policy. The general statement of the NFL performance-enhancing drug policy says, “The National Football League Management Council and NFL Players Association (NFLPA) (collectively, the ‘Parties’) have jointly developed this Policy on Performance-Enhancing Substances (the “Policy”) to prohibit and prevent the use of anabolic/androgenic steroids (including exogenous testosterone), stimulants, human or animal growth hormones, whether natural or synthetic, and related or similar substances.” This policy not only considers players, but also coaches, athletic trainers, and club personnel.
So, the current scenario and the 49ers update tell us one thing. Although the NFL has clearly mentioned different types of punishments, like financial and other disciplinary punishments, some NFL players are not following the rules. That, sadly, means we can’t restrict ourselves to saying NFL players are building themselves on flash and not fire. Well, even though Kyle Shanahan and the 49ers won’t lose much on the gridiron with this punishment, as Isaac only plays in practice sessions, their credibility to play clean football comes under the light of suspicion.
But while this update was coming, Kyle Shanahan received another update. That is to trade their offensive tackle Trent Williams for a Dolphins cornerback.
