Penguins’ Caleb Jones suspended 20 games for violating substance program

Tough news for the Caleb Jones and the Pittsburgh Penguins, as it was announced on Wednesday that Jones has been suspended for 20 games for violating the terms of the NHL/NHLPA Performance Enhancing Substances Program.

Jones will face his suspension without pay, which kicks in once the NHL resumes play after the Olympic break. Under the CBA, the suspension includes a mandatory referral to the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program, as Jones will undergo further evaluation and treatment. 

It didn't take long for Jones to try and explain himself, as he released a statement once the news leaked. “At the time of the test,” Jones’ statement read. “I was receiving an exosome therapy for a documented injury from an outside provider. I believe that my positive test was related to a contaminated substance associated with that treatment. While I did not use the prohibited substance intentionally or for performance enhancement, I understand that players are responsible for everything that enters their body and accept the discipline imposed by the program. I’m sorry to have let down my teammates, the Penguins organization, and our fans.”

Jones has hardly played hockey this season, and has been completely out of action for almost a month. He's appeared in one AHL game for Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, and has missed considerable time due to a lower-body injury.

Jones is eligible to return in early April, so let's hope everything falls into place for him, he goes through the program, and comes out in a better spot because of it.

Photo credit:  Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images