Titans linebacker Gerald McRath has been suspended four games for violating the league’s performance-enhancing drug policy, and in acknowledging the suspension today he did what most players do in the same situation: He blamed a tainted supplement and complained about the league’s appeals process.
“The process is just frustrating because you look to yourself and you’re like, ‘Man, I’m not that type of person.’ No, I didn’t cheat. But at the same time, you’re in the NFL now so you’re a professional,” McRath said. “I withdrew my appeal because I’m getting older. I’ve got to take responsibility.”
McRath said he isn’t sure what he took but is sure that it was a tainted supplement.
“I take a number of supplements, but it was something that I took,” McRath said. “In actuality, it’s still my responsibility.”
McRath is right about that: It is his responsibility to know what he’s taking, and the policy he’s suspended under is the policy that he and his fellow players agreed to. He can insist he didn’t cheat all he wants, but according to league rules, he did.