Anybody with complaints that the NFL doesn’t suspend “good” players for substance abuse has just gotten their point squashed a bit.
On Tuesday, the NFL suspended Detroit Lions defensive tackle Shaun Rogers and Atlanta Falcons offensive guard Matt Lehr four games for violating the substance abuse policy. While it’s debatable if Lehr is any real loss for the Falcons, Rogers is undoubtedly a huge subtraction to the Lions d-line. Regarded as one of the best at his position, Rogers has recorded 314 tackles, 22 sacks, 18 pass deflections, four forced fumbles and five fumble recoveries in his career and is often a force to deal with for offensive lines come Sundays.
While the NFL won’t release what substance any suspended player was caught with, Rogers’ agent Kennard McGuire confirmed to the Detroit Free Press that his client took an over-the-counter drug to help him lose weight (which isn’t a surprise considering how rookie head coach Rod Marinelli has reportedly come down hard on a lot of players – including WR Mike Williams – for weight issues).
Nobody knows what Lehr took, but after the offensive line gave up seven sacks in Atlanta’s 27-14 loss to the Giants last Sunday, I’m surprised whatever Lehr took didn’t actually make him better. I’d hate to see what the guy would play like without the substance.
