Rams WR Austin Pettis Suspended

Just when you thought things couldn’t get worse for the St. Louis Rams, the NFL announced on Wednesday that rookie WR Austin Pettis has been suspended for 4 weeks for violating the league’s substance abuse policy. According to the report, Pettis will miss the final two games this season and the first two next season, but he will be able to participate in all offseason team activities and preseason practices and games next season. Here is a statement from Pettis to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch:

“I apologize to the St. Louis Rams, my teammates, and our fans for making a poor decision that led to my suspension. I tried Adderall, but I failed to follow the proper procedures set forth by the NFL before using such medication. I accept full responsibility and must endure the consequences for my action. I promise to emerge on the other side of this suspension as a better person and player.”

Not that I’m giving him a free pass, but I think it is pretty obvious by looking at him that he isn’t on steroids. I’ve never personally tried Adderall, but I know people who are on it and I don’t think it would give him much of a competitive edge on the football field. I guess it would help him focus, but it’s irrelevant because everyone knows how serious the NFL is about their drug policy. If you put any substance in your body and you are a player in the league, and you don’t do your homework and go above and beyond to make sure it’s clear, then you deserve the suspension. I don’t agree with it, but the rules are pretty clear. More on next page…