Houston Texans: Why Max Bullough and Keith Mumphery were shown the Door

The Houston Texans have long been an organization where they have personalities that emanate the greater good.

It’s not only part of their DNA but it’s also the Houston Texans way.  I won’t go as far to say as if they’re emulating how the New England Patriots do business but this is the way that they are.  And rightfully so, any multi-million dollar business will want to minimize harm as much as possible to not only keep a positive image but to protect their brand as well.

Most successful organizations are like this as it’s paramount in terms ensuring that the revenue steams are plentiful and that the perception continues to be positive.  That’s certainly representative of who the Houston Texans are.  But there has been some negative news coming out of Kirby Drive as of late and OTA’s aren’t even complete yet.

According to the Houston Chronicle’s Aaron Wilson, the Texans have cut ILB Max Bullough and WR Keith Mumphery:

Bullough had been recently awarded a suspension for four games for illegal PED use and would’ve not been available for the first four games of the season anyway.  The stigma of such a violation has been following since his college days at Michigan State where he suspended from the Rose Bowl back in 2013 for a violation of team rules.  Although there’s no substance to the claim, the word on the street was that he was popped for a similar violation back in college.

Max had 25 tackles in 2016 and did play well at moments when he called up, plus he started three games.  We know have to wonder if that improvement in performance was attributed to whatever the hell he was taking.  He claims that he wasn’t aware that he took an illegal substance but with the past history, I’m sure many are finding that hard to believe.

Mumphery, a fellow MSU Spartan, has also been cut amid allegations of sexual misconduct.  His event dates back to March 2015 — two months before he was drafted — where he “hooked” up with a fellow co-ed via Tinder, a popular dating mobile app.  The MSU police had recommended that charges be pressed on Mumphery but the district attorney decided to dismiss as the female Mumphery came in contact wouldn’t come forward and did not respond multiple inquiries to tell her side of the story.

Mumphery continues to maintain his innocence and continues to assert that he was seduced.  MSU still moves to expel Mumphery from the university — he was attending graduate school in the off season — and is not allowed on campus until Dec. 31, 2018 or he’ll be subject to arrest.

When this news first broke, the Texans responded to the media with a simple “we’re gathering information” response.  Apparently, enough info was gathered to move to cut these guys.  With the tremendous amount of competition at the highest levels of pro football, their spots are hot commodity and someone else is hungry enough to take them.

Next: What is Duane Brown holding out for?

But the Texans have tremendous depth at their respective positions — they’d be the odd men out anyway — so the move to cut them was a no-brainer for the brass up top.

That’s exactly what happened — it’s tragic that this had to happen to these guys but if innocent, they hopefully will find themselves back on their two feet again.