Rodney Harrison Suspended Four Games
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New England Patriots S Rodney Harrison was suspended four games for violating the National Football League’s substance abuse policy. Am I surprised? Yes and no.
In his 13-year career, Rodney has earned the reputation as one of the game’s most “aggressive” players — which just happened to result in over $200,000 worth of fines so far. But as much as other teams hate to play against him, his own teammates appreciate the way he practices and plays. He plays the game with heart and passion. So, I really didn’t see him turning to performance-enhancing products to help his cause. But let’s look at the situation. Rodney is going to be 35-years-old in December and his career has been riddled with injuries — not surprising for a guy that plays the way he does. He was sidelined for eight games in 1999 with a shoulder injury. He played in just three games in 2005 before tearing his ACL, MCL and PCL. He broke his right shoulder blade last season and missed six games, then returned for two more before straining his right knee and missing the rest of the regular season and playoffs. Let’s face it. Rodney Harrison is on his last legs. But he made the wrong decision to use (reportedly) human growth hormone to speed his recovery from the punishment of another NFL season.
A statement from the NFL read:
“Rodney Harrison of the New England Patriots has been suspended without pay for the team’s first four regular-season games of 2007 for violating the NFL policy on performance enhancing substances. Harrison’s suspension begins immediately. He is eligible to return to the Patriots’ active roster on Tuesday, October 2 following the team’s October 1 game against the Cincinnati Bengals.”
Rodney took complete responsibility for his actions and made the following comments (in-part):
“I want to make it clear that not once did I ever use steroids. I did admit to the commissioner that I did, in fact, use a banned substance. I will be absent from the team for the next four weeks. That is a penalty that I have to serve. I intend to return and do my best to really help this team in any capacity I can help this team get back to winning the championship. This is something that Rodney Harrison did, and Rodney Harrison did alone. My teammates didn’t do it. As they prepare for the Jets and games after that, I would ask that you give them the respect, not badger them with questions because they don’t have any information. I sent the wrong message with my actions. I have not made excuses, nor will I make excuses. I made a mistake and I am very sorry for that. I do not condone my behavior. I am very, very embarrassed by it. I am disappointed in myself. My purpose was never to gain a competitive edge. Rather, my use was solely for the purpose of accelerating the healing process of injuries I sustained while playing football.”
Somehow, the Patriots will still find a way to win games without him. They’re just that good. Coach Bill Belichick always has another player to “plug-in” to get the job done. Enter James Sanders, who is listed as Rodney’s backup at strong safety. And look for rookie FS Brandon Meriweather, plus Mel Mitchell and Rashad Baker to also get into the mix until Rodney returns.
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