Busted

Brian Cushing, the reigning NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year from the Houston Texans, has been suspended for the first four games of the 2010 NFL season after testing positive for a banned performance enhancing substance. There was speculation that he had tested positive at the NFL Scouting Combine in 2009. This suspension looks to have confirmed that point.

A suspension of four games comes after a SECOND positive test. Cushing claims that what he tested positive for was not a PED, but another substance that is on the banned list. I do have a question. If you have already tested positive once, wouldn't you get help from your team, your agent, your doctor, ANYONE, and find out what it is you can and cannot take?

The Texans are facing the toughest schedule of any team in the 2010 season. They have been notorious for being slow starters. Now they have to do it without one of their best players. But beyond that there is the psychological effect of the suspension. How many players are going to be thinking 'Not Again!' If they come out of the gates with just 1, or even zero wins in those first four games, will they be able to overcome the slow start to make a playoff run. It is going to put a load on the offense, and Matt Schaub will need to have an exceptional season if Houston is going to earn it's first playoff appearance.

There have also been some who are calling for the AP to withdraw the Defensive Rookie of the Year honor from Cushing. I say nonsense. Awards are given for play on the field, not behavior off the field afterwards. But I may change my mind when I find out what he tested positive for first. If it was a performance enhancing drug then you can make the argument. But right now it is speculation. But you do not need to speculate what is going to happen the first four games of the 2010 NFL season. Brian Cushing will be on the outside looking in. And the Houston Texans will be in a dogfight to make the playoffs because of it.