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The NFL announced today the suspension without pay for four games of six players that violated the NFL Policy on Anabolic Steroids and Related Substances. The players specifically violated a longstanding provision of the policy relating to the use of diuretics and water pills, which serve as masking agents for steroids and are potentially dangerous to the health of players.

The policy states that the use of so-called “blocking” or “masking” agents, including diuretics and water pills, is prohibited and that a positive test will not be excused because it results from the use of a dietary supplement that unknowingly contained a banned substance. Supplements are not regulated or monitored by the government and players have been warned about the risks of supplement use. The policy states:

“You and you alone are responsible for what goes into your body. Claiming that you used only legally available nutritional supplements will not help you in an appeal ….. Even if they are bought over-the-counter from a known establishment, there is currently no way to be sure that they contain the ingredients listed on the packaging or have not been tainted with prohibited substances ….. If you take these products, you do so AT YOUR OWN RISK! For your own health and success in the league, we strongly encourage you to avoid the use of supplements altogether, or at the very least to be extremely careful about what you choose to take.”

The six players are each suspended for the final four games of the regular-season. If the player’s team qualifies for the playoffs, he is eligible to return to the active roster on Monday, December 29. The suspended players are:

• Charles Grant, New Orleans Saints
• Deuce McAllister, New Orleans Saints
• Bryan Pittman, Houston Texans
• Will Smith, New Orleans Saints
• Kevin Williams, Minnesota Vikings
• Pat Williams, Minnesota Vikings

The appeals process in this matter included close to 30 hours of hearings. NFL Executive Vice President of Labor and League Counsel Jeff Pash heard and decided all of the appeals except for Bryan Pittman’s. The appeals officer for Pittman was former NFL Executive Vice President and League Counsel Jay Moyer. Following are key excerpts from Jeff Pash’s decision upholding the suspensions:

• Bumetanide, a potent diuretic, has long been a prohibited substance under the policy and is similarly banned by other drug-testing programs. Diuretics are banned for two reasons – first, because they can be used to mask the use of performance-enhancing drugs; and second, because they can pose a threat to player health and safety.
• The policy contains numerous specific warnings about dietary supplements. NFL players received separate advisories regarding supplements (attached). These included two memos from Dr. John Lombardo (the program’s independent administrator) entitled “Weight Reduction Products,” which were sent to players in July of 2007, and again in July of 2008.
• In addition, two notifications specifically mentioning Star Caps were sent on December 19, 2006. One was sent to the presidents, general managers, and head athletic trainers of all NFL clubs. The second was sent to Stacy Robinson, the NFLPA executive who oversees the Steroid Policy on behalf of the union. The letter to Robinson states that “Balanced Health Products, which distributes Star Caps, has been added to the list of prohibited dietary supplement companies. Please distribute this information to the agents and players through your normal channels.” In response, Robinson had Balanced Health Products added to the list of banned companies that is maintained on the NFLPA’s website.
• (For those players with weight clause bonus provisions in their contracts,) the player specifically agreed not to engage in any “last-minute weight reduction techniques,” which included “use of diuretics.”
• There is no question that the policy embodies a collectively bargained rule of strict liability – a rule that players alone are responsible for what is in their bodies; that inadvertent or unknowing use of a prohibited substance will not excuse a positive test; and that supplements are used at a player’s own risk.
• With respect to the question of whether a specific warning should have been given regarding Star Caps, the policy does not set forth an obligation to issue specific warnings about specific products and no testimony suggests that the NFL and NFLPA have ever contemplated imposing such a requirement on Dr. Lombardo, who oversees the development of education materials on steroids. In keeping with that responsibility, the NFL, NFLPA, and Dr. Lombardo have emphasized the need for extreme caution in the use of any supplement, including weight reduction products, have established a Hotline for players to call for information regarding supplements, have established a Supplement Certification program with EAS to provide players with supplements that are free of banned substances, and have, in conjunction with reinforcing the strict liability rule, repeatedly warned players about the dangers of unregulated and inaccurately labeled dietary supplements. In the past, players have been suspended for using dietary supplements that contained a banned substance.
• The United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) does not issue specific warnings about specific supplements, nor are such warnings issued in other drug testing programs.

Clearly, the team that will be hardest hit by these suspensions are the NFC North Division leading Minnesota Vikings. Both Kevin and Pat Williams are Pro Bowl defensive tackles and considered among the best at what they do in the National Football League. Together, they are the heart and soul of a Vikings defense that prides itself on stopping the run. So far this season, the “Williams Wall” has been true to form as the Vikes are currently second in the entire NFL in run defense (73 ypg). The Vikings released a statement today saying:

“In response to this afternoon’s ruling, the Minnesota Vikings are very disappointed in the National Football League’s decision and suspension of Kevin and Pat Williams. At the appropriate time, we will have further comment.”

Pat Williams’ agent, Angelo Wright, had a comment today. He said a federal lawsuit aimed at preventing the NFL from imposing a four-game suspension on his client will be filed tomorrow:

“I believe that we’ll be able to offset this. I continue to maintain that he will play football. Though the tenets of the program are of strict liability, the league is supposed to act in conjunction with the players association, to communicate what products are acceptable and which are not. In this case, they’ve acknowledged that they withheld information from the players. I would feel more comfortable with the process, if there was an independent body governing over these cases. But this current set up is reminiscent of the British court, when they wore white wigs and proved to be your judge and your jury.”

If Mr. Wright achieves his goal, as he believes he will, Pat will be able to play Sunday at Detroit. But if the league’s suspension is then upheld, that could push Pat’s four-game suspension into the postseason. I’m not sure it matters because without Kevin and Pat in the Minnesota lineup this month, there’s a good chance there won’t be a postseason for the Vikings.

Sources: NFL Media, Vikings.com, TwinCities.com, Photo: Newscom

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N.Y. Giants receiver Plaxico Burress was suspended for the rest of the 2008 season today. The Giants fined and suspended Plaxico four games for conduct detrimental to the team for multiple and repeated violations of club rules. He was placed on the non-football injury list, officially ending his season. Plaxico accidentally shot himself in the right thigh over the weekend at a Manhattan nightclub. He was arrested and released on $100,000 bail yesterday. Giants president John Mara said:

“As we have said since Saturday morning, our concern is for Plaxico’s health and well-being. This is an important time for him to take care of his body and heal up and also deal with the very serious legal consequences and other issues in his life. When I spoke with Plaxico he expressed great remorse for letting down his teammates.”

This is undoubtedly the right move. Plaxico had become too much of a distraction and with the dark cloud hanging over him after this most recent incident, I don’t really think the Giants had any other logical choice. With the childish behavior of Plaxico Burress out of the way, the Giants can hopefully get back to doing what they do best without the additional interference.

Source: Giants.com

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N.Y. Giants receiver Plaxico Burress was taken to court in handcuffs, then posted $100,000 bail on weapons possession charges today after accidentally shooting himself in the leg at a nightclub last week. He was charged with two counts of second-degree criminal possession of a weapon, which could result in a sentence of at least 3.5 years in prison. As Plaxico awaits his next court date March 31, the Giants aren’t sure what action they will take against him. The NFL said it was monitoring developments. And NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg said it would be an outrage “if we didn’t prosecute to the fullest extent of the law.”

Here’s what actually happened on Friday evening. Police said Plaxico and Giants linebacker Antonio Pierce arrived at the Latin Quarter nightclub in Manhattan with three other people around 11:30 p.m. I have no idea who the three other people were but they apparently weren’t members of the N.Y. Giants. Plaxico had been allowed to bypass security (even though they knew he was armed they wanted to be cool with the pro athlete) according to a law enforcement official who spoke on condition of anonymity. Around 12:05 a.m., as Plaxico was being escorted to a VIP area (ooh sounds so exciting) with a drink in one hand, he somehow ended up fumbling his gun and it discharged, hitting his thigh. Antonio was with him when that occurred, police said. Plaxico then spent about 90 minutes looking for a hospital that would treat him discreetly. He even used a different name — Harris Smith. He ended up at New York-Cornell, where he gave the phony name and said the incident had occurred at an Applebee’s. It was about this same time when he realized it was probably a bad idea to take a gun into a New York City nightclub.

I know some NFL players have licensed guns for protection at their homes, but few are stupid enough to stick one in their pants and take it to a nightclub. What was he planning to do with it? Giants running back Brandon Jacobs said he spoke with Plaxico on the phone after yesterday’s win over the Redskins and they actually laughed about the situation:

“I called him and made a few jokes about the situation and his laugh is what I wanted to hear. If he didn’t laugh I knew he was going to be down, which he shouldn’t be down. It’s a mistake that happened, something that shouldn’t have happened and that’s that.”

Well, that’s very sweet, but that’s not that. This is more than a mistake. Plaxico is looking at three and a half years in jail. There’s nothing funny about it. I know a fair amount of NFL players that think they’re invincible, but one look at Michael Vick should clear up that misconception. My feeling is that Plaxico Burress is headed for a similar fate.

Sources: NFL.com, New York Post, Photo: Newscom

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With Plaxico Burress being arrested on weapons possession charges, the NFL reissued their “Guns and Weapons Policy” today. This policy applies to all employees of the NFL and its member clubs, including players.

Prohibitions. Whether possessed legally or illegally, guns and other weapons of any kind are dangerous. You and your family can easily be the losers if you carry or keep these items in your home. You must not possess these weapons while traveling on League-related business or whenever you are on the premises of the following:

• A facility owned, operated or being used by an NFL club (for example, training camp, dormitory, locker room, workout site, parking area, team bus, team plane, team hotel/motel);
• A stadium or any other venue being used for an NFL event (for example, a game, practice or promotion);
• A facility owned or operated by the NFL or any League company. Put simply, the League, the Players Association and law enforcement authorities urge you to recognize that you must not possess a gun or other weapon at any time you are performing any service for your team or the NFL.

Legal Possession. In some circumstances, such as for sport or protection, you may legally possess a firearm or other weapon. However, we strongly recommend that you not do so. Any weapon, particularly a firearm, is dangerous—especially so when it is in a vehicle or within reach of children and others not properly trained in its use.

Understanding the Law. If you legally possess a weapon, you must understand the local, state and federal laws that apply. The NFL Security Representative in your area will help you get information about these laws. You should be aware that if you take a weapon from one place to another — for example, across state lines — a different set of laws may apply.

Discipline. If you violate this policy on guns and other weapons, you are subject to discipline, including suspension from playing. And if you violate a public law covering weapons — for example, possession of an unlicensed firearm — you are not only subject to discipline, including suspension from playing, but also subject to criminal prosecution.

Remember, be careful and understand the risks.

Source: NFL Media

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The Cleveland Browns’ luck has gone from bad to worse. Any quarterback controversy officially ended last week when then-starter Brady Quinn’s season ended with a injury. He had replaced Derek Anderson nine games into the season and the “Brady Quinn Era” had begun. Now, no sooner did Derek get his starting job back than his season looks like it’s over after he suffered an MCL sprain today during the 4th quarter of a miserable 10-6 loss to the Indianapolis Colts. Afterward, Browns head coach Romeo Crennel called it like he saw it:

“I’m not encouraged by the way he came off the field.”

That means it’s Glenn Dorsey’s turn to quarterback the Browns the rest of the way, but I don’t know that it matters much at this point. Outside of getting some experience for next season and the always exhilarating playing for pride, the Cleveland Browns’ season essentially ended last month. At 4-8, Cleveland is jockeying for position in the 2009 NFL Draft.

Source: ClevelandBrowns.com, Photo: Newscom

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In an update to yesterday’s post, N.Y. Giants receiver Plaxico Burress plans to turn himself in to police tomorrow morning in New York City and plead not guilty to criminal possession of a weapon after accidentally shooting himself in the leg Friday night. The law supposedly calls for a mandatory minimum sentence of 3.5 years for illegal possession of a handgun in New York City.

Source: Yahoo! Sports

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N.Y. Giants receiver Plaxico Burress accidentally shot himself in the right thigh yesterday evening and spent the night in a New York City hospital as a result. Thankfully, the injury was not life-threatening, but that good news only opens the door to what could be a lot of bad news for Plax and the Giants. Not that there hasn’t been enough of it already.

Obviously, it’s been a tumultuous season for Plax. Take a look at his lowlights since catching the winning score in the Super Bowl back in February:

• He skipped offseason workouts and a minicamp over a contract dispute.
• October 5, he was suspended one game for a violation of team rules.
• October 19, he verbally abused officials and was fined $45,000.
• October 26, he was fined and benched for missing treatment for an injury.

This latest incident increases the frustration for an organization that embodies the “team first” concept. And Plax clearly doesn’t get what this concept is all about. The Giants have managed a league-best 10-1 record largely without his services (35 catches and four TDs), so the thought of giving him his walking papers has to be a viable — and money saving — option. The distractions he brings to a team that is very much a favorite to repeat as Super Bowl champions has to be nearly intolerable.

Plax is already forfeiting a $100,000 bonus for every game he misses. He is listed as out for tomorrow’s game against the Redksins with a hamstring injury, so this doesn’t change anything for that game. But it will most likely force him to miss more time and cost him more money — a lot more money — as the legal process unfolds.

What could unfold is an eventual suspension if Plax is ruled to have violated the NFL’s Personal Conduct Policy. I wonder what he was doing with a gun in the first place? Was it his gun? Was he licensed to have it? And what was he doing with it out in public, presumably at an NYC night club? New York has some of the toughest gun control laws in the country so it will be interesting to see how this plays out. Many questions remain until the police get to the bottom of exactly what happened last night. But the Giants have to start thinking about life without Palxico Burress. It might give them their best chance to win the Super Bowl again.

Source: NFL.com, Photo: Newscom

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Indianapolis Colts receiver Reggie Wayne appears in a new commercial for Reebok Hexride running shoes which debuted Thanksgiving Day on NFL Network. Reggie appears to be running through a tire drill on top of a pool of water, but in actuality, the surface is blue-painted wood built into the pool with water added later as a special effect:

“Not many people can say they walked on water. To be one of the select few is always a great thing. But I don’t think it’s going to take much for me because I feel like I walk on water every day.”

While Reggie isn’t on the same level with teammate Peyton Manning’s endorsement dollars (Peyton made $13 million last year alone), he says he’s “building a foundation.” You gotta start somewhere.

Source: IndyStar.com

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The Carolina Panthers signed cornerback Chris Gamble to a six-year contract extension today. The deal is worth $53 million and includes $23 million worth of guaranteed bonuses. This “early” signing will keep Chris off the free agent market this offseason. A day after Thanksgiving, Chris was thankful, indeed:

“I am very excited just to get it out of the way. I want to be in Carolina. I didn’t want to be with another team. I like the organization, the coaching staff, the fans (and) my teammates. I wanted to get it out of the way. Luckily we did that and I can get focused back on Green Bay and the rest of the season.”

Chris is having a great 2008 season and has become one of the league’s best “lockdown” corners since being drafted in the first round by the Panthers back in 2004. He has 17 passes defensed, two interceptions, a forced fumble and 70 tackles through 11 games this year. In an NFL age where you can’t keep any good group of players together for very long, Carolina is smart to secure one of their best players at least through 2014. Next up on the priority list — defensive end Julius Peppers and left tackle Jordan Gross.

Source: Panthers.com, Photo: Newscom

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Forget seconds. How about thirds? That’s the appetizer on the National Football League Thanksgiving menu this Week 13 of the NFL season — three Turkey Day servings of football, followed by a whole lineup of games on Thanksgiving Sunday and Monday. Even the players will be in their easy chairs. Like Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning:

“I remember watching Thanksgiving games as a kid. Even in high school and college, and now in the NFL, you practice, you come home and you watch Thanksgiving football.”

Football has been a part of my Thanksgiving Day for as long as I can remember. Whether I’m relaxing with my family at the Outer Banks of North Carolina or home for the holidays in snowy Pennsylvania (like this year), you can bet we’ll have all three games on — even if in the background during dinner. Thanksgiving Day has always been about family, food and football. I wish everyone a very happy Thanksgiving. Here’s what’s on the pigskin platter:

TENNESSEE TITANS at DETROIT LIONS (CBS, 12:30 PM ET): Fans will see two of the top rookie rushers in the league in Tennessee’s Chris Johnson (second among rookie RBs with 833 yards) and Detroit’s Kevin Smith (fourth with 599 yards). Kevin has consecutive games of 96, 112 and 86 yards. The 10-1 Titans are smarting from their first loss to the Jets last week. “It was a great run,” says Tennessee head coach Jeff Fisher. “We’ve got to win our next game.” With a win and an Indianapolis loss, the Titans take the AFC South.

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS at DALLAS COWBOYS (FOX, 4:15 PM ET): The final Thanksgiving game in Texas Stadium, where some of the most memorable NFL games on the holiday have been played (Cowboys Thanksgiving record in the stadium: 21-14). The Cowboys look like they’ve regained their early-season swagger. The Seahawks will have to bottle up receiver Terrell Owens, who comes off his second-best career yardage day — 213 yards on seven catches. “He’s still got it,” says Cowboys QB Tony Romo. Whatever.

ARIZONA CARDINALS at PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (NFL Network, 8:00 PM ET): The QBs are riled! And that’s not good for the DBs. The Cards’ Kurt Warner, after Arizona lost to the Giants on Sunday, says, “We can play with anybody if we eliminate the mistakes.” A win and the Cards capture the NFC West. QB Donovan McNabb, benched for the first time in his career Sunday, is still the starter for Philly. “Sometimes you have to step back to step forward in a positive way, and Donovan will do that,” says Eagles coach Andy Reid.

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