The Seahawks’ abrupt decision to sever ties with running back LenDale White could have been motivated by news of his four-game suspension. (More on that later.) Regardless, White quickly fell out of favor in Seattle because, as Alex Marvez of FOXSports.com explains it, White’s “effort level ‘stood out like a sore thumb.'”
Marvez also reports that, despite the fact that White lost 45 pounds in the offseason, his overall physical condition was “poor.”
As to the suspension, it remains unclear whether White violates the substance-abuse policy or the steroids policy. If it’s the latter, a first offense would have triggered the suspension. For the former, a four-game suspension arises only after multiple violations, including a fine in the amount of three game checks.
Though the program is strictly confidential, the Seahawks had the right to inquire as to White’s status with respect to both policies before making the trade. If they did, then they knew about the looming suspension before picking him up. If they didn’t, then it’s their own fault that they didn’t know.
