Wes Welker lashes out about 4-game suspension

DENVER, Sept. 3 (UPI) -- Wes Welker spoke out about his four-game suspension from the Denver Broncos Tuesday, saying the NFL's drug policy procedures are "clearly flawed."

Welker was suspended for the first four games of the regular season after failing the league's performance-enhancing drug test by testing positive for amphetamine. In an email to the Denver Post, Walker adamantly defended his reputation.

"I'm as shocked as everyone at todays news. I want to make one thing abundantly clear: I would NEVER knowingly take a substance to gain a competitive advantage in any way. Anyone who has ever played a down with me, lifted a weight with me, even eaten a meal with me, knows that I focus purely on what I put in my body and on the hard work I put in year round to perform at the highest levels year-in and year-out."

He also took the opportunity to criticize the NFL's drug policy, which led to what he considers an unjust punishment.

"I have never been concerned with the leagues performance enhancing or drug abuse policies because under no scenario would they ever apply to me, but I now know, that (drug-policy procedures) are clearly flawed, and I will do everything in my power to ensure they are corrected, so other individuals and teams aren't negatively affected so rashly like this," he told the Denver Post.

The Broncos and Welker were not only angered by the suspension but about the timing. Usually any suspensions are announced Monday before game planning, but Welker's suspension was handed down Tuesday night.

A source said Welker tested positive specifically for Adderall. There was also a report he took Molly -- a purified form of ecstasy known as MDMA -- at the Kentucky Derby. Welker vehemently refuted that accusation.

"I wouldn't have any idea where to get a Molly or what a Molly is," he said. "That's a joke. I don't do marijuana, I don't do drugs. I don't do any drugs."

Welker appealed his suspension in Washington D.C. but to no avail. He will be able to return to the Broncos, who have a week 4 bye, for their their week 6 game against the New York Jets.