I have to ask, but since he was suspended for the 1st game for failing the first test (in July), and he failed the 2nd test before the season started. Does it seem odd that they waited till after the Tenn game to suspend him again? If I've got that timeline right it does seem that the discipline was tailored to make sure he played against Tenn. And I'm not expert, even though Ricky Williams and I have the same alma mater, but it certainly seems as if he ate some marijuana brownies in July and didn't do anyother marijuana that it's unlikely that it would still be in his system in late August. Terry
Terry, the results of the 2nd test did not come in until this week. I have heard two things about when the test was taken, in August and then later I heard in September. Either way action was taken when the results came in and if it is 5 games as is what is rumored then he will miss Kentucky, Alabama, Auburn, LSU and I guess Georgia. There is also a rumor that because of the timing so soon after the first test that the time may be less. So stay tuned! :lol: :lol:
I saw it yesterday, but I have a personal rule. I don't report negative news about other Skyboxers' teams. However, now that it's on the table, I'm curious why only 5 games - I guess 6 total - after two positive tests? Am I just too old school, or does this seem more than a bit lenient, regardless of the timing of the tests? If the same thing had happened to an ND player, I would expect - would want - him suspended for the rest of the season. Is there something I'm not seeing? I look to Bill to set me straight.
Sid, No doubt that at ND he'd be gone for the season. But I doubt that would be true at just about any other place. I am pretty sure that Texas would probably do the something similar. Terry
Bill, Again I'm no expert here, but according to the timeline in the article, he failed a test when he returned to school in July and then another one in 3-4 weeks after the first test, I am surprised that the results of the 2nd test weren't known for another 3-4weeks. In the recent dust up at Texas where the players were stopped and found with a gun and marijuana. They took drug tests and were cleared of marijuana usage within a week. Just seems sort of odd. Terry
Terry, That depends on the quantity and frequency used. In a standard urine test, the effects can linger up to 12 weeks if it's habitual or chronic. Here's a chart and estimated detection period on a standard urine test: 1 time = 5-8 days 2-4 times per mo = 11-18 days 2-4 times per week = 23-35 days 5-6 times per week = 33-48 days daily usuage = 49-63 days I have no idea how long it would last if he went on a 1 time binge. It's possible that he could be penalized twice for something he did in a short period of time, say a few days. I don't know exactly what they mean by same usage.
AJNJ, That an interesting chart, and seems to make the assertion by his mom that it was a one time thing a little suspect to say the least. And after thinking about it, maybe UF has a much more comprehensive test for drugs. The Tour de France guy's test took awhile for results. Although it does seem like at the Olympics that they catch these guys within a week or so of them winning a medal. Sort of confusing to me. But it does leave an opening for suspicion that the timing of the suspension and release of drug test were coordinated to make sure he played against Tenn. Terry
Terry, It's a little misleading, because what if he just partied stop for a week and then refrained from using it? What constitutes same usuage? Maybe he needs to be tested again.
There is not much I can add. The whole thing is under appeal, and I'm not sure about the whole thing as to how long the stuff may stay in someone's system. As to the penalty, I am pretty sure that if the 5 game suspension stands that it is on the high side as to what is required, maybe not as tough as Notre Dame would do, but tougher than the average. AJ, I have seen other discussions as to testing him again, but it might be that enough time has passed that it could all be out of his system even if he was using during the time in question. What I think will happen is that he will be suspended but not for 5 full games, and I think the reason will be some doubt as to the timing. And I do want to add that I am not in agreement that a full year's suspension would be in order but am in agreement that a significant penalty is merited if the test timeline is such that his system should be clean if in fact he only used the stuff during that one period.
Bill, I agree 5 games does seem like it would be as much if not more than what he'd get at most schools. I do think ND has at times gone overboard with discipline. Guys have been suspended for the year over accumulating a lot of parking tickets (Brock Williams) or for breaking dorm rules regarding having women in your room (Tony Driver). But maybe the tough rules are why ND hasn't really had that many problems with players. Terry
Bill, These athletes are pretty street smart. They know that they are subject to random drug testing and are aware that marijuana lingers. I wouldn't surprise me if he did it thinking that as long as he didn't do during the season he would have no problems. An athlete of his stature, I think, would more likely behave during the season, then again some are just plain stupid and bold like Warren Sapp. I guess we will see when the penalty is doled out. I'm sure there is a better way to determine when the incident occured and if he does it on a regular basis.