Saints David Onimata has been suspended for six games by the NFL after testing positive for a banned substance.

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Defensive Handling at New Orleans Saints David Onimata announced on social media Friday that he had been suspended by the NFL after testing positive for a banned substance. The 28-year-old said he was “surprised and disappointed” by the news while noting that he had never intentionally taken a banned substance by the league and is currently reviewing all the supplements he took around the time he tested positive. The NFL has since confirmed the suspension and revealed that Onimata will miss six games.

“The NFLPA notified me yesterday that I tested positive for a banned substance which has resulted in the suspension of part of the 2021 NFL season,” Onyemata said in a statement posted to social media. “While I am certainly surprised and disappointed by this news, I am responsible for what I put in my body. Since I have not taken anything that could cause a positive test, we are currently in the process of testing the supplements I was taking at the time of the test. Regardless, I am committed to that Be more aware of any medication and dietary supplement that may contain substances banned by the NFL.”

Onyemata will be eligible to return to New Orleans after his week seven game with the Seattle Seahawks. Despite the suspension, he will be able to participate and play throughout training camp and pre-season. Back in 2019, Onyemata received a one-game suspension for violating the drug policy surrounding marijuana.

Onyemata arrived in New Orleans in 2016 when the club selected the Nigeria native in the fourth round of the NFL Draft. Out of the gate, the 6-foot-4, 300-pounder has become a staple at the forefront of the Seven Saints and has evolved into a weekly start over the previous two seasons. The club even signed Onyemata to a three-year, $27 million extension in 2018 that put him under contract until the 2022 season.

In 2020, Onyemata enjoyed a career year with a total of 6.5 sacks, 44 tackles and 16 quarterback strokes. This sack total was the team’s third best last year, with Onyemata only eyeing Trey Hendrickson (13.5) and Cam Jordan (7.5). With these contributions in mind, New Orleans will lose a key piece in its defense as the 2021 season begins.

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