[Holtgetsback]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=5172060

The Houston Texans' defense took a major blow Friday when defensive rookie of the year Brian Cushing learned he is being suspended four games for violating the NFL's policy on performance-enhancing substances.


Cushing
Cushing appealed the league's decision at a hearing at the NFL scouting combine in February, but the linebacker was informed Friday his appeal had been rejected, according to sources.
Cushing will be allowed to participate in training camp with the Texans this summer, but then will serve his four-game suspension to start the 2010 regular season.
"We were disappointed to learn that Brian has been suspended for the first four games of the 2010 season," Houston general manager Rick Smith said in a statement. "Brian is a productive member of our team and this is a significant loss, but we have to be prepared to win without him."
Cushing's attorney, Harvey Steinberg, did not return telephone calls seeking comment.
The Texans' defense will suffer without Cushing, especially considering that its first game of the season is against the defending AFC South champion Indianapolis Colts. Cushing will also miss games against the Washington Redskins, Dallas Cowboys and Oakland Raiders.
Cushing, who was voted to the Pro Bowl, had 133 tackles and helped lead the Texans to a 9-7 record, their first winning season in franchise history. Cushing finished the season with five sacks, four interceptions and two forced fumbles.
Cushing was hounded by rumors of performance-enhancing drug use before he became a pro, but the Texans were undeterred. They said then they found no truth to those rumors in their draft preparations.
"I've passed every drug test out there and still have," Cushing said during his 2009 draft news conference. "I'm not that kind of guy."
Cushing had been promoting an appearance on the NFL Network show "Total Access Live" scheduled for Friday evening on his Facebook page before posting the following message Friday afternoon: "Had to cancel NFL Network and all other interviews due to a family emergency. Heading to airport to fly back to NJ to be with the fam."
Cushing did not provide any further details about the emergency. He is from New Jersey and had been in school in California this week.







Is Clay Matthews next and is anyone surprised?

[scarp]

I'm thinking many players could get in trouble for PEDs

[brooks85]

no doubt about it, especially the rookies

4 games aint enough imo

[Rush]

Holy shit. Def on steriods in the 2nd pic

[iwantcougars]

there goes texans chances to make the playoffs

[sharpcat]

Rookies should be tested more than veterans, they are used to using in college and want to excel in the NFL

[eidolon]

not surprised at all. I saw a picture of him when he was a freshman, and then compared to what he is was when he left for the draft...HUGE difference. I will try and find a picture

[eidolon]

Plenty of rumors swirling around and the kind which Brian Cushing is not going to be happy to hear about. And I am not sure who is behind these rumors but NFL rumor bucket is kinda full of it.

The rumors in fact became so strong that the USC Coach Pete Carroll had to issue a statement to clarify the confusion that everybody was going through. In fact according to the rumor mill, both Brian Cushing and Clay Matthews tested positive for steriods at the NFL scouting back in Feb.

Pete spoke to the NFL officials and all these players came off clean. So if you are a fan, take a chill pill and relax.

If you are looking for Brian Cushing Before and After pic, here is something to ponder on:

[TheLock]

Sausage teets in the photo on the left.


Never would have thought the guy on the right used PED's. lol

[Rollins08]

What % of players do you think are using? Most must have a way to get past the tests.

[sharpcat]

HS and college programs really need to implement stricter rules.

[Rich Boy]

Looks photoshoped

Cant believe you guys fall for this crap.

[CaptainPrice]

Looks photoshoped

Cant believe you guys fall for this crap.

which one?
the pec one i could see, they look too wierd, the 2nd looks real