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Subject: Henry fails another drug test
Posted by: Letter_J
- [353551013] Fri, Oct 05, 2007, 08:34
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3049721
Sources: NFL's leading rusher Henry facing 1-year suspension for violating drug policy
By Len Pasquarelli
ESPN.com
(Archive)
Updated: October 5, 2007, 8:25 AM ET
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Denver Broncos tailback Travis Henry, the NFL's leading rusher through the first four weeks of the season, is facing a one-year suspension for a repeat violation of the substance abuse policy, multiple sources told ESPN.com on Thursday night.
But in a battle that has reached the federal court system, Henry is attempting to block the league from testing the so-called "B-sample" necessary to confirm the positive test, claiming that NFL officials would not allow his expert to be present for the testing of his specimen.
League vice president of public relations Greg Aiello on Thursday night confirmed that the NFL is involved in the court action with Henry and that the league hopes to have his motion dismissed. Citing confidentiality policies that are a part of the substance abuse program, Aiello declined to address the results of any tests involving Henry.
Henry's attorney, Robert Dapelo, could not be reached.
Henry, 28, was suspended by the league for four games in 2005 because of a repeat violation of the substance abuse policy. The substance for which he tested positive on that occasion is not known. Under the league guidelines, another test within a two-year period would trigger a one-year suspension. Henry would then have to apply for reinstatement and his compliance with the treatment program prescribed for him would be reviewed.
Under the two-year policy, which essentially wipes a player's slate clean, Henry was scheduled to rotate out of the substance abuse program on Oct. 1. But his lawsuit to block further testing of his urine sample was filed Sept. 20, indicating that the positive test occurred before Oct. 1.
The motion filed by Henry was in Suffolk (N.Y.) County and that court granted a temporary restraining order, precluding the league from testing the second sample. The NFL, however, had an appellate court quash that restraining order.
Aiello said the NFL is attempting to have the case moved to a federal court in Brooklyn, because the collective bargaining agreement and the interpretation of the accord between the league and the NFL Players Association is a matter for federal purview. The league filed those papers on Monday, he said.
The issue being challenged by Henry is that the NFL would not allow his expert to observe the testing of the "B-sample." Although the collective bargaining agreement permits a player to have an expert present for the testing, Aiello said that expert cannot be affiliated with any laboratory. The expert presented by Henry did have such an affiliation.
The league provided Henry with the names of 10 independent experts as reference for his potential use.
If Henry does not prevail, and is suspended, the loss would represent a significant setback for the Broncos, who have lost their last two games. Henry is in his first season in Denver, having signed a five-year, $22.5 million contract in March, only days after he was released by the Tennessee Titans to avoid paying him an $8 million roster bonus.
A seventh-year veteran, Henry has rushed for 433 yards and one touchdown on 86 carries in the first four games of the season. For his career, the former University of Tennessee star has carried 1,407 times for 5,828 yards and 35 rushing touchdowns in stints with Buffalo (2001-2003), the Titans (2004-2006) and the Broncos. He was the Bills' second-round choice in the 2001 draft and was traded to the Titans in 2005.
Henry is currently recovering from knee and ankle injuries sustained in last week's loss to the Indianapolis Colts. He has not practiced this week and his playing status for Sunday's home contest against San Diego is expected to be a game-time decision.
The top backup to Henry, as listed on the Denver depth chart, is rookie Selvin Young of the University of Texas, an undrafted free agent who has logged 15 carries for 138 yards. Also on the roster is second-year veteran Mike Bell, who rushed for 677 yards and eight scores in 2006, but who is currently listed as a fullback and who has only five carries in 2007.
If Henry is suspended, it might also prompt the Broncos to attempt to recover a portion of any bonus money paid him. As part of his contract, Henry reportedly was guaranteed about
$12 million.
Len Pasquarelli covers the NFL for ESPN.com.
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| 1 | Myboyjack
ID: 4094756
Fri, Oct 05, 2007, 08:53
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He's goner. Real bad time to test dirty.
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| 2 | biliruben
ID: 4911361723
Fri, Oct 05, 2007, 09:10
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He's being framed.
Just like OJ.
Why does The Man hate ex-Bills running backs so?
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| 3 | biliruben
ID: 4911361723
Fri, Oct 05, 2007, 09:13
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If anyone had a reason to toke-up on occasion, it's Travis.
Nine children by nine different women.
Can you imagine the weight of that responsibility? It's gotta be stressful!
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| 4 | sarge33rd
ID: 99331714
Fri, Oct 05, 2007, 10:29
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WTF? Does he think he's in the NBA or something????? (More and more glad that I pickedup S Young in a league this past week.)
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| 5 | Perm Dude
ID: 5593356
Fri, Oct 05, 2007, 10:33
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Just spreading the love around.
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| 6 | barilko6
ID: 3195558
Fri, Oct 05, 2007, 10:56
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Does Mike Bell receive added value now as well, or will Selvin be able to do it?
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| 7 | beastiemiked
ID: 3095258
Fri, Oct 05, 2007, 11:06
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If anyone had a reason to toke-up on occasion, it's Travis.
Nine children by nine different women.
Can you imagine the weight of that responsibility? It's gotta be stressful!
Lol, so funny yet so sad at the same time.
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| 8 | sarge33rd
ID: 99331714
Fri, Oct 05, 2007, 11:08
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Although he signed a five-year, $22.5 million contract with the Broncos this off-season that guarantees him $12 million, Henry's lawyer says, "He doesn't have any money."
What do you want to bet, what he's paying his lawyers, would catch up his back child-support?
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| 9 | Frick
Donor
ID: 3410101718
Fri, Oct 05, 2007, 11:16
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Although he signed a five-year, $22.5 million contract with the Broncos this off-season that guarantees him $12 million, Henry's lawyer says, "He doesn't have any money."
Does anyone know how much he got as a signing bonus. The statement says guarantees, not guaranteed. If it was guaranteed future payments and he failed a drug test, he won't be getting those payments.
Well now maybe Michael Vick will have someone to keep him company, well once he gets out of jail.
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| 10 | sarge33rd
ID: 99331714
Fri, Oct 05, 2007, 11:31
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The "All Loser" Squad;
QB: Michael Vick
RB: T Henry
RB: L Phillips
RB: O Smith
RB: OJ
RB: R Williams
WR: M Irvin
WR: K Robinson
WR: C Henry
WR: A Lelie
WR: R Carruth
TE: M Chmura
K: S Janikowski
needs another TE, but none come to mind atm.
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| 11 | DWetzel from work
ID: 3316412
Fri, Oct 05, 2007, 11:33
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Just use Nate Newton as the blocking TE.
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| 12 | Mark L
ID: 25155512
Fri, Oct 05, 2007, 11:37
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Need to put a defense together so Leonard Little can be included. IMO only OJ and Carruth outrank him.
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| 13 | StLCards
Dude
ID: 31010716
Fri, Oct 05, 2007, 11:47
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This time, it might not only cost the league's leading rusher time but also a substantial sum of money if it plays out against him because the Broncos have written protections into Henry's contract relating to his past drug use.
His $22.5 million contract includes $12 million in bonuses and includes a clause that forces Henry to repay his $6 million signing bonus — if he had received all of the money — if he is suspended for drugs.
Henry's signing bonus had been split into five payments, and he has received $2 million of it over three payments as of this month. He was scheduled to get another $1 million next month, then a $3 million payment in March.
With a suspension, he would have to forfeit the $2 million he had received and it would be unlikely the Broncos would follow through with the other payments.
link
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| 14 | sarge33rd
ID: 99331714
Fri, Oct 05, 2007, 11:56
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I just cant figure it out...
What the sam-hell makes these guys think, they can just do whatever they want, without consequence? Have they been passed along and passed along for so many things, that just EXPECT that anything they choose to do, will be swept under the rug, because they can run fast or tackle hard?
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| 15 | Slizz
ID: 21733916
Fri, Oct 05, 2007, 14:28
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Sarge, I got one for ya!
Jerramy Stevens - A variety of arrests include crashing his car into a retirement home, his most recent DUI, and other carousing incidents. Stevens was also "flagged" for bad neighbor in his Seattle condo via the always unwelcome combination of fireworks or used condoms on adjacent properties...
or
Randy McMichael - Beat his wife...on multiple occasions.
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| 16 | sarge33rd
ID: 99331714
Fri, Oct 05, 2007, 14:40
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thx Slizz! Add them both to the "Hall of Shame" candidate roster.
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| 17 | Rendle
ID: 457402414
Fri, Oct 05, 2007, 14:53
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Oh come on, who here can honestly say they've never crashed their car into a retirement home?
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