Although it wasn’t revealed until last week, Houston Texans linebacker Brian Cushing failed a performance-enhancing drug test in September, when he was first embarking on a season that would result in him winning the Defensive Rookie of the Year Award.
Adam Schefter of ESPN reports that Cushing tested positive in September and played the 2009 season with the specter of a four-game suspension hanging over him.
Cushing went to the Pro Bowl and won the rookie of the year award, but he won’t be eligible for the Pro Bowl next season because he’s going to be suspended for the first four games, and players suspended for positive performance-enhancing drug tests aren’t allowed to play in the Pro Bowl.
Cushing appealed the positive test in February, but he lost his appeal and will serve his suspension in Weeks 1-4 of the 2010 season.