Several readers have asked whether the potential suspensions of the StarCaps crew would apply only to regular-season games.
Given the delays inherent to the procedure of setting up appeal hearings and then having the league deliberate on whether to reverse the automatic four-game ban for violation of the policy regarding anabolic steroids and related substances, it’s possible that the situations involving players from potential playoff contenders like the Saints, Falcons, Vikings, and Texans won’t be resolved until a time when there are fewer than four regular-season games remaining.
NFL spokesman Greg Aiello tells us that, if a player doesn’t finish his suspension before the regular-season ends, the suspension would apply to any playoff games for which his team qualifies.
Such an outcome would actually save money for the player, since the postseason playoff share is usually substantially less than a regular-season game check.
Affected players include Saints running back Deuce McAllister, Saints defensive ends Will Smith and Charles Grant, Vikings defensive tackles Pat and Kevin Williams, and Falcons defensive tackle Grady Jackson.
SUSPENSIONS WOULD CARRY OVER TO THE PLAYOFFS
Posted by Mike Florio on October 30, 2008, 12:07 PM EST
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Latest Stories in: Atlanta Falcons, Minnesota Vikings, New Orleans Saints, Rumor Mill
10 Responses to “SUSPENSIONS WOULD CARRY OVER TO THE PLAYOFFS”
I don’t the suspension should continue until the following season. I don’t think any suspension should take place during the playoffs.
But that is just me.
Dude, the Saints are in last place in their division, and the Vikings are only trailed by the 0-7 Lions. How can anyone bring up the playoffs here?
Hoping for a wildcard birth, I guess?
So, shuxion, what if said player who was ready to call it a career if his team won the Super Bowl decided to really juice up for the postseason? That would definitely give his team an unfair advantage.
I respect your opinion I’m just curious on your take about that possibility.
Yeah. cheat when it counts most. shuxion has a poster of bonds in his room. its never ok to cheat. geez.
I’m actually surprised this is even a question, and TomBradyWoot touched on the reason. Lets take the Patriots from last year. They had already wrapped up the division and home field advantage with 3 or 4 weeks left in the season. If suspensions dont carry over into the playoffs, the Pats could have spent the last 4 weeks of the season, the first round bye, and the playoffs juicing, to help them win a SB, with no repercussions
I’m pretty sure none of those teams will have to worry about the playoffs…
“potential playoff contenders like the…Texans”
Didn’t think I’d hear that on a credible website.
Oh wait, it’s PFT.
(j/k, I’m totally in the tank for PFT.)
Damn, I 100 percent agree with Shuxion, I would like the best players available in my playoffs.
BUT , these other two devils advocates bring up a good point.
I have to think that there is plenty of wiggle room in Goodells pocket as far as discipline. In some sort of crazy elaborate, under ground plan like mentioned, I believe there would be some way to handle it that would not affect the integrity of the playoffs.
@brianforster-
The way to handle it is to not take anything n0t on the approved list to begin with.
And since when is suspending players who test positive for banned substances affecting the integrity of the playoffs? Regardless of the excuse, the players compromised the integrity of the game by taking a substance that wasn’t approved for use and deserve whatever punishment they get. If that means missing the playoffs or the start of next season, then so be it.
I understand your team might be affected as might mine, but the rules are pretty black and white and shouldn’t be given any “wiggle room” just because the playoffs might be around the corner. The players should have thought about that before taking the substance.
@The Delinquent Formerly Known as Pacman
Yea, no consequences. Just ask Mike Webster.