Alex Guerrero Issues Statement on Julian Edelman Suspension
The wide receiver, who was suspended four games for violating the NFL's performance enhancing drug policy, has praised Tom Brady's controversial trainer in the past.
Photo via AP/Kathy Willens
Of course, Alex Guerrero has been roped into the latest Patriots sideshow.
On Thursday, ESPN reported wide receiver Julian Edelman is facing a four-game suspension to start the 2018 season for violating the NFL’s performance enhancing drug policy. The offensive stud was sidelined all of last year with an ACL injury, and his spending the first quarter of the coming season out of commission is not at the top of any Pats fan’s wish list.
Things were looking up for Edelman who, despite the severity of his injury, had recovered enough to suit up for minicamp earlier this week. And whom has he credited with that recovery? That would be Guerrero.
Quarterback Tom Brady’s personal health guru has a past speckled with controversies regarding the legitimacy of his wellness methods and a well-documented contentious relationship with coach Bill Belichick. Inevitably, after the Edelman news broke, Guerrero’s name began to surface.
Edelman has praised Guerrero and his methods several times in recent months, telling WEEI in November that he is “a huge advocate” of the trainer’s work and that he “like[s] consulting with Alex.” As recently as Tuesday, the wide receiver noted that staff at TB12, Guerrero’s facility, had helped him get ready for the upcoming season.
Given Guerrero’s close relationship with Edelman and past brushes with medical authorities he was asked for comment about the suspension, and distanced himself from any illicit treatment methods.
“I’ve known Julian since his rookie year and he is a phenomenal athlete who takes his training seriously—it’s disappointing to hear today’s news,” Guerrero said in a statement. “Elite athletes sometimes work with multiple coaches and health professionals as part of their off-season training.”
“Here at our facility, we take a natural, holistic, appropriate and, above all, legal approach to training and recovery for all of our clients,” Guerrero continued in the statement. “And anyone who would suggest otherwise is irresponsible and just plain wrong.”
