Vikings DE Ray Edwards Suspended for Violating NFL’s Substance Abuse Policy
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I hate to see things like this, but Minnesota Vikings DE Ray Edwards has been suspended four games for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy. Because of the confidentiality surrounding the policy, it wasn’t made public what the substance was. The suspension is effective immediately. Ray is eligible to return to the team after the December 30 season finale against Denver and could play if the Vikings make the playoffs, which I believe they will. Vikings head coach Brad Childress wasn’t pleased:
“It’s disappointing, but there are policies in place and our players have to adhere to those policies. Every team goes through challenges as you go through the year. We’ve been through some of our own. It’s an opportunity to have others step up.”
Ray is a very promising young defensive end and edge rusher (four sacks this season so far). If there’s one position the Vikes can’t afford to lose depth in, it’s on the edge. They’re currently last in the NFL in pass D so they need all the rush they can get to take the pressure off their DBs. Erasmus James, rookie Brian Robison and Jayme Mitchell will fill-in during Ray’s absence.
Tags: brad-childress, brian-robison, erasmus_james, jayme-mitchell, minnesota_vikings, ray_edwardsRelated Stories
POSTED IN: Minnesota Vikings
1 opinion for Vikings DE Ray Edwards Suspended for Violating NFL’s Substance Abuse Policy
David
Dec 8, 2007 at 12:46 am
You can forget about Erasmus James filling in. One day after I wrote this, he was placed on IR and will need surgery again to repair the ACL in his left knee. I’m wondering if his brief NFL career is over?
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