Houston Texans linebacker Brian Cushing was busted this week for performance enhancing drug use. Cushing will be suspended for four games in the 2010 NFL season for violating the league's substance abuse policy.
Cushing was voted to the pro bowl last season, his rookie year, after posting 133 tackles, five sacks and four interceptions. He was also voted defensive rookie of the year.
There is no doubt in anyone's mind that prior to the news of his substance abuse, Cushing deserved the defensive rookie of the year honors. His very productive season was not only a joy to watch, but blew nearly every other rookie performance out of the water. Almost.
The defensive rookie of the year runner-up, free safety Jairus Byrd of the Buffalo Bills, posted 45 tackles (33 totals), and tied for the league lead in interceptions with nine. That was in just 14 games, and only 11 starts. Not to mention, Byrd played injured for the entire season. This "Byrd of prey" did all of this legally.
So should Cushing forfeit his rookie of the year honors?
Donte Whitner of the Buffalo Bills believes so. Posting on his twitter account following the news of Cushing's transgressions, Whitner expressed his opinion on the topic. Whitner wrote on twitter:
- "I don't respect (guys) that CHEAT!"
- "They should take his Defensive rookie of the year away!"
- "Give the defensive rookie of the year to Jarius Byrd...he did it the RIGHT way!"
- "In the Olympics...track & field if u win the GOLD but get caught taking roids, what happens? It goes to the 2nd place guy! J. Byrd!"
Unless it can be proven that Cushing used performance enhancing substances prior to, or during, the 2009 season, Cushing will keep his award. It's a sad thing to think someone may have cheated and gotten away with it, but that's the way the cookie crumbles.
Do I think Cushing deserved the award? His performance was deserving, but his methods are open to questioning.
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