Miller faces four-game substance abuse suspension
Von Miller, the Denver Broncos’ All Pro, is facing a four-game suspension to start the 2013 season. This comes after he has allegedly broken the NFL’s substance abuse policy.
So far things have been a bit somewhat unexplained. What we do know is that the case is currently at the appeal stage, but, of course, the ban may well not stand. The NFL does not have to make any kind of statement unless the appeal fails. Then we can expect a full run down of events.
As of yet, no official appeal date has been set, but we also know that the Denver Broncos organisation were fully aware of Miller’s problem. Coach John Fox and executive vice president of football operations, John Elway, have been tight lipped, and when the news broke, they would not have been shocked.
“He’s a different guy, but I never thought he would risk his career. Gotta help him bounce back now. Can’t turn my back on him. Disappointed yet concerned about the man. Still love him, though,” a Broncos player, who wished to remain anonymous, said in a text to ESPN, the network who made the initial announcement.
Under league rules Miller can participate in the Broncos’ upcoming training camp which opens on Wednesday. He would have to leave the after its final pre-season game on August 29th, if the appeal is upheld, and will not be able to return to them until September 30th.
Miller is not short of confidence, the player about to enter his third season, and has played in the Pro Bowl in each of his first two seasons, sparked memories of the great Joe Namath in March this year when he guaranteed the Broncos a Super Bowl win.
Whatever the outcome of the appeal his reputation will have been tainted.
Guilty – he is a man chasing his own shadow. Not guilty – then he will be scrutinised more than ever before.
The quote above from the unknown player says it all. Why risk it all when you have it all?
