Reinstatement for Brandon Browner and Brian Tyms?
On Wednesday, September 17th, the NFL and the Players Union finally agreed to a new drug testing policy. One of the provisions of the new agreement allowed for reinstatement or a reduced suspension for certain players recently penalized by the league office. ESPN's Adam Schefter and Chris Mortensen provided a summary of the players impacted by the new agreement:
Adam Schefter's summary:
Upon agreement of term sheet for new drug policy, these players will be reinstated: Broncos WR Wes Welker, Rams WR Steadman Bailey, Cowboys DB Orlando Scandrick, Giants OL Eric Herman and former Vikings DE Spencer Nealy.
WRs Josh Gordon and former Colt LaVon Brazill will have their season-long suspensions reduced to 10 games.
What does this new drug policy mean for the suspensions given to defensive back Brandon Browner and wide receiver Brian Tyms? Browner may have to wait out his full suspension after initially being suspended for a year back in December of 2013. After the challenge flag was thrown and with further review, Browner's penalty was reduced to four games during the 2014 season for testing positive for marijuana use. The new policy retroactively reinstated players that tested positive for banned substances during the off-season.
Brian Tyms situation is a tad bit on the confusing side. The Patriots wide receiver was suspended for using Aderall without the league's permission. Aderall happens to be an amphetamine that is often used to mask steroid use from drug tests. It is also commonly used to treat ADHD. What makes the Tyms situation so baffling is that Welker can suit up after testing positive for amphetamines but Tyms can't. The only explanation is that Tyms must have tested positive outside the window of reinstatement.
Coach Belichick might actually appreciate the fact that Browner and Tyms have not been reinstated. The Pats' coaching staff will have more time to evaluate their depth chart. Of the two, Browner has the better shot since he can help bolster the Pats secondary. The jury is still out on Tyms making the team given the full house at the wide receiver position. If Tyms can prove his worth on special teams, the Pats might clear a roster spot for him.
I am intrigued to see what the Patriots look like come week 5!
Photo courtesy of Bob Breidenbach
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