Texans player Denico Autry suspended six games for violating NFL policy on performance-enhancing drugs

July 29, 2024 6:16 p.m. • Last updated: July 29, 2024 6:16 p.m.

Tennessee Titans defensive end Denico Autry runs onto the field during a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Nov. 19, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla. On Monday, Autry, now a defensive lineman for the Houston Texans, was suspended for the first six games of the regular season for violating the NFL’s policy on performance-enhancing substances. (Phelan M. Ebenhack/AP Photo)

Houston — Houston Texans defensive lineman Denico Autry was suspended for the first six games of the regular season Monday for violating the NFL’s policy on performance-enhancing drugs.

Autry denied knowingly ingesting a banned substance, but said he would accept the suspension. Autry said he discovered that the pharmacy that issued him a prescription had “intentionally, recklessly or negligently” included a banned substance.

Autry is cleared to participate in preseason practices and games. His first regular-season appearance will be Oct. 20 at Green Bay. Autry apologized to the Texans organization, his teammates and fans for any distractions caused by his positive test.

Autry, 34, has 59 sacks in 10 NFL seasons. He had a career-high 11 1/2 last season with the Tennessee Titans and signed a two-year, $20 million free agent contract with the Texans in March.

“During my 10-year NFL career, I have never used performance-enhancing drugs,” Autry said in a statement. “During that time, I have been subjected to countless tests, none of which have ever returned a positive result. So I was shocked this offseason when I learned that one of my tests had returned a positive result.”

Autry said his attorney provided the NFL with documentation from his doctors establishing that he neither requested nor prescribed banned substances.

“It was important to me that the NFL know that I did not intentionally or even knowingly ingest a prohibited substance,” Autry said. “I understand, however, that under NFL policy, the ultimate responsibility for what goes into my body rests with me. To that end, while I intend to explore legal options regarding the circumstances that led to my positive test, I have accepted the NFL’s sanction of a six-game suspension.”