The Redskins have moved into a tie for first with the Seahawks.
Not for crowd noise, or preseason hype.
But for PED suspensions.
When defensive end Jarvis Jenkins joined linebacker Rob Jackson in receiving a four-game suspension for violating the league’s policy on performance-enhancing substances this offseason, it gave the Redskins five players who have violated the policy since 2011, according to Mark Maske of the Washington Post.
When you include violations of the substance abuse policy, the Redskins have had eight players suspended by the league since the beginning of the 2011 season.
“Eight is a lot,” cornerback DeAngelo Hall said. “I didn’t know that. I wasn’t really paying attention. But I’ll tell you what, they’ll get it right. It’s their career at stake, their livelihood. They’ll wake up and smell the roses.”
The list of players suspended over the last three seasons includes three who violated the substance abuse policy: Left tackle Trent Williams, tight end Fred Davis, and safety Tanard Jackson, who is serving an indefinite suspension.
Cornerbacks Phillip Buchanon and Cedric Griffin and tackle Jordan Black were suspended for violating the PED policy.
“It’s an unfortunate situation,” linebacker London Fletcher said. “Obviously one suspension is too many. I think the organization does a good job of letting us know what we can and can’t do, what’s acceptable and what’s not acceptable.
“Guys have to take ownership and responsibility for their actions. You’re not going to be with somebody 24 hours a day, holding their hand.”
Perhaps, but when violations are concentrated (like DUIs from Broncos), it’s obviously going to raise awareness, and needs to raise a response from the organization.