Cushing Suspended
May 8th, 2010 | by brooksbusch |
Houston Texans’ rising star, Brian Cushing, seemed to be on track to establish himself as one of the top linebackers around the NFL in a few seasons. However, Cushing has been suspended by the NFL for violating the league’s substance abuse policy (steroids). This is huge news in the AFC South, as it will take away one of the Texans best defensive weapons for the first four games of the season. For Colts fans especially, the loss of Cushing will be have a huge impact, as the Colts will be facing the Texans in week one. Without Cushing, the Texans will be forced to take on this potent Colts offense without one of their top defenders.
Cushing is the reigning rookie defensive player of the year and was selected to participate in the Pro Bowl as a rookie. The suspension of Cushing marks the third time in the past eight seasons where the rookie defensive player of the year has been suspended for substance abuse, the first two being Shawne Merriman and Julius Peppers. Going into the 2009 draft there were a plethora of questions and concerns surrounding Cushing’s past and whether or not steroids were a part of it. Cushing denied these reports, but ultimately they proved to be true.
The week one contest between the Texans and the Colts, just got a bit easier for Peyton Manning and company. Although they will still have to face the likes of Mario Williams and Demeco Ryans, the loss of Cushing will surely be felt by this Texans defense.
