Rams QB Jimmy Garoppolo says he 'messed up' exemption leading to PED suspension
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo will serve a two-game suspension to start the 2024 NFL season for violating the league's policy on performance-enhancing substances.
The former Las Vegas Raiders signal-caller − who also previously played for the San Francisco 49ers and New England Patriots − said he "messed up" the therapeutic use exemption process upon his arrival in Las Vegas.
ESPN previously reported that the suspension was related to Garoppolo taking a prescribed medication without valid exemption approval from the NFL.
"It's just one of those situations. It is what it is," Garoppolo said Tuesday during his introductory news conference. "You got to deal with it and just keep moving on and stay positive."
Garoppolo signed a a three-year, $72.75 million contract with the Raiders last offseason. He was benched at midseason in favor of rookie Aidan O'Connell, who would start the rest of the year, following the firing of head coach Josh McDaniels and general manager Dave Zeigler.
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Garoppolo, who will be the backup behind Matthew Stafford in Los Angeles, can still participate in all offseason activities, training camp and preseason. But cannot be with the team for the first two weeks of the regular season.
Working with Rams head coach Sean McVay was the deciding factor in his signing with the Rams, Garoppolo said.
"I think he had a vision, talked me through it, really just explained what he saw my role as, and just his football knowledge," Garoppolo said. "I've heard it from so many different players and coaches, but to be here firsthand and get to experience it, that's what I'm really excited about."
As a starter with San Francisco, Garoppolo went 8-0 against the Rams during the regular season; the Niners fell in the 2021 NFC championship game to the Rams.