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Houston Texans: Three things Brian Cushing didn’t say about suspension

By Brian K. Patterson

SAN FRANCISCO, CA - OCTOBER 06: Inside linebacker Brian Cushing
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - OCTOBER 06: Inside linebacker Brian Cushing /
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The Houston Texans have serious situation on their hands with one of their most-tenured linebackers is going to be away for quite some time.

The Houston Texans middle linebacker Brian Cushing has gotten into some hot water — whether intentional or unintentional — as the NFL has dropped the hammer on one of the team’s most-beloved figures.  It’s tough to believe the news of this happening but it certainly doesn’t surprise me that I’m hearing this.  What am I babbling about?

I’ll let Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle spell it out for you:

This can’t be so right? We’ve been down this road before and now Cushing will have to take a path that’s already been beaten-down, particularly most recently earlier in the off season by former Texans linebacker Max Bullough.  Although Cushing’s fate won’t resemble Bullough’s, we’re still in the dark until the truth comes out with more concrete details about the happenings of this news from both sides.

The former defensive Rookie of the Year was suspended back in the 2010 season for four games in violation of the NFL’s steroids policy.  He appealed that decision but it was rejected causing him to miss a small chunk of that season.

In a standard-fare rebuttal released through Harvey Steinberg, his long-time attorney, here’s what Cushing’s camp had to say:

"“Brian Cushing regretfully announces he’s been suspended for 10 games commencing on Sept. 13, 2017. In so doing, he is aware of the negative impact he has had on his team and most importantly his fans. It is with the deepest remorse he humbly apologizes to his fans, teammates and coaches.  After consulting with his attorney and his agent he felt rather than dragging the appellate process out, this would be the best way to proceed.”"

As I’ve reviewed this statement, I’ve definitely determined that the appeals process would’ve been so drawn out that it would’ve extended longer than his suspension so Cushing decided to take heed to the punishment doled out by the NFL.

Now here are THREE things that he didn’t tell us that I want to know:

1.)  WHAT exact illegal substance did he take and did he know about it?

2.)  HOW was he able to obtain said illegal substance?

3.)  WHEN will the truth come out?

Normally in these circumstances, players will mention that they weren’t aware of what they took but Cushing mentioned none of that which could indicate that he may have known but possibly thought it was a legal substance to take.  This story is going to boil over in regard to how this crazy set of events started to turn into motion.

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I’ve always admired Cushing and his work-ethic but I have to admit that I’ll definitely view him a bit differently as time goes on.  I won’t go to the extreme and say that he’s a fraud because you still have to be talented to get into this league.   However, in a sport that’s so hinged on being the utmost of competitive, he may have cheated a bit to get to where he was.

It’s hard to believe that he didn’t know what was going on and what he put into his body.

If true, it’s unacceptable because cheating reflects weakness and highlights one’s insecurity of not being able to reach a goal without breaking the rules.  It’s the opposite of my personal creed and it’s absolutely disheartening if he can’t prove the accusations false.  And for what it’s worth, in my opinion, he hasn’t been the same player since the first suspension — likely because of his injuries as well — albeit some solid seasons that he has had to boot.

What will the Houston Texans do?  Absolutely nothing, they’ll go about their business and welcome him back with open arms when he has served his time.  But as our linebackers in Benardrick McKinney and Zach Cunningham get well-versed in their craft, the decision to cut Cushing will loom over their heads.

His dead cap figure is $4 million this season and drops to $1.2 million for the remaining two of his six-year, $52.5 million deal that he extended ahead of the 2013 season.  If this repeated behavior continues and his level production does not precede him, they should give him the axe like any other player.  The rules are the rules and they need to enforced universally but we’ll see.

Next: The FOUR most surprising Texans roster cuts

Cushing, 30, has 651 tackles, 12.0 sacks, 30 passes defensed, eight interceptions, one safety and one touchdown through 100 starts in his nine-season career.

Go Texans.

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