The Washington Commanders have rehired an assistant trainer that was previously put on administrative leave amid a Drug Enforcement Administration investigation into former team trainer Ryan Vermillion.
According to multiple reports, Washington recently brought back Doug Quon — who the team placed on leave in October 2021, days after the team’s facility was raided by the DEA in relation to the agency’s probe into Vermillion. Vermillion, who illegally distributed painkillers to players, eventually into a deferred prosecution agreement with the federal government — avoiding jail time — and was fired by the Commanders last August.
Quon, who had been with the Commanders since 2014, was not charged related to the investigation and his hiring has reportedly received approval from the NFL and the players’ union.
“Player health and safety is our top priority, and we are pleased to continue to build up our training staff with another seasoned professional with the reinstatement of Doug Quon in the role of assistant athletic trainer,” a Commanders spokesperson said in a statement. “We are happy to welcome him back.”
The Commanders eventually replaced Vermillion with Al Bellamy.
• Matthew Paras can be reached at mparas@washingtontimes.com.
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