49ers WR Goodwin's track suspension won't affect NFL career

Aug 15, 2017 - 7:25 PM San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Marquise Goodwin was suspended by the United States Anti-Doping Agency for one year on Tuesday for failing to provide his whereabouts for drug testing.

The USADA said in a statement that Goodwin received three failures to respond in a 12-month period and that the suspension began on April 1. The agency requests information from a select group of athletes for out-of-competition drug testing.

Goodwin said in a statement that he is no longer competing in track and field and is focused on his football career.

"Never in my life have I failed a test. I have never been opposed to testing and, in fact, have always been compliant with each and every protocol and policy associated with my competitive career in track and field," Goodwin said. "More than a year ago, I decided to cease competing in the sport in order to concentrate 100 percent on my NFL career. Therefore, I discontinued all practices associated with competing in track and field, including submitting my 'Whereabouts' information.

"It appears that because I did not inform USADA of my plans, my name was inadvertently included in their 2017 testing pool. I greatly appreciate the support of the San Francisco 49ers and the National Football League as I work to clarify this matter."

The 49ers said they were aware of Goodwin's decision to concentrate solely on football. The team also said that the NFL will not discipline Goodwin under its policy against performance-enhancing drugs.

"Marquise informed our organization quite some time ago that he has no intentions of competing in track and field and has been entirely focused on his football career for more than a year," the 49ers said in a statement. "We have been in touch with the league office regarding this matter, and understand that Marquise will not be subject to discipline under the NFL Policy on Performance-Enhancing Substances as a result of USADA's decision."

Goodwin was with the Buffalo Bills when he competed in the 2016 U.S. Olympic team trials in Eugene, Ore. The 26-year-old failed to qualify in the men's long jump.

He signed a two-year, $6 million contract with the 49ers.