Off the field issues have rocked the NFL world this week. A New York wide receiver shot himself in the leg with an illegal gun and is now suspended for the rest of the season. Six players have been suspended for using an diuretic that is banned by the league because of its use in masking steroid use.
I spoke with Head Coach Jim Haslett and a number of Ram players about this issue this week and to a man, they say that cheaters get caught and don’t have a leg to stand on, but also said the guide-lines, while spelled out, are some times hard to follow.
Coach Haslett said there is no reason for a player to use something banned by the league, since the team provides every kind of LEGAL supplement a player could need or want. However, players say the stuff they buy from stores isn’t often labeled correctly.
Rams’ top pick Chris Long told me the process is very thorough and even when a player isn’t in a time period when he can deliver the specimen they want the ‘drug police’ aren’t going away until you can. Click the audio button above to hear my brief conversation with Chris. You’ll enjoy Chris’ candor!
Center Brett Romberg has been around a bit longer than Chris Long, and has obviously paid close attention to the process. My little interview with Brett is located at the top of the blog too. Romberg is one of the genuine good guys in that Rams locker room.
The Rams haven’t won many games this year and many are wondering if coach Haslett will be back next season, but he is a refreshing guy. His passion about this steroid issue, comes through in his responses to my questions about recent NFL developments.
Keep your eye on my blog. I’ll be bringing you the real stuff from locker rooms or the public sector. No twisting of the responses, just the real stuff from Father Harry!