By: Cole Livengood | WV Sports Chat
With the 2026-27 NFL Season just a bit under four months away from kicking off, things aren’t off on the greatest of starts for former Mountaineer Beanie Bishop and his new team, the New Orleans Saints.
It was announced on Tuesday that the 26-year-old would be suspended for the first three games of the season for violating the NFL’s Substance Abuse policy.
Bishop, now entering his second season as a pro, signed with the Saints’ practice squad back in December after being released from the Pittsburgh Steelers. In his lone season as a Steeler, Bishop showed potential as a solid slot cornerback in Pittsburgh’s system, highlighted by a 37-15 win in Week 7 of last season, where Bishop intercepted future Hall of Fame Quarterback Aaron Rodgers twice.
According to the NFLPA website, Cocaine, Synthetic Marijuana, Amphetamines (includes Adderall), Opiates, Opioids, PCP, and MDMA (i.e., ecstasy, molly) are considered Substances of Abuse under league policy. In 2020, the NFL removed THC as a substance of abuse, and only issues fines upon a positive test, instead of suspensions.
Bishop will be allowed to train with the team through training camp and participate in the team’s pre-season contests, but will not be eligible for reinstatement until Week 4. This suspension may cost Bishop his roster spot when the Saints cut their roster to 53 following the pre-season.
