Former NFL defensive lineman Dana Stubblefield has received two years’ probation for lying to federal investigators.
The relatively lenient penalty apparently has resulted from the fact that Stubblefield has been “providing information to federal authorities and the league regarding steroid use and distribution in the sport,” according to ESPN.com.
Uh. Oh.
A sentencing memorandum filed Thursday indicates that, as part of his plea arrangement, Stubblefield provided to authorities “the names of players, trainers, and others associated with the NFL who may be involved in ongoing activities with illegal drugs in professional football.”
Per the report, Stubblefield already has been interviewed by the NFL regarding his knowledge regarding illegal drug use in the NFL.
Though he last played in 2003, plenty of guys who were in the league then still play pro football. More importantly, plenty of trainers and other team officials who might have knowledge of or involvement in official drug use likely are still drawing NFL paychecks.
Frankly, however, we fear a bit for Stubblefield’s safety. The last guy who tried to name names regarding steroids use in the NFL committed suicide before any suspensions could stick.
Suicide, via multiple gunshot wounds.