Brandon Spikes suspended for banned substance for 4 games

[Deus Irae]

Sorry, I don't buy that. We are talking about pro athletes that can get suspended for a littany of OTC drugs. They have to err on the side of caution.

If you knew you might lose 4 weeks pay for taking sudafed, wouldn't you check with HR first? Dial up the extention and "Hey, this is Deus in the ___ dept. Can I take this cold medicine or is it on the list?"

It has to be that easy for these guys to find out.

I know, with 100% certainty, that it's the case with even the professional athletes I've been around. You're welcome to believe otherwise all you want to, though. We probably know a completely different group of professional athletes, so it's possible that it varies from group to group. I doubt it, but it's possible.

 

[RodThePat]

You'll find out when 2011 NFL draft comes around. If Patriots draft a ILB in 2nd-3rd round, Spikes maybe done..

So far, IMO, dont think Spikes is making that high of an impact. Granted he got the pick from Sanchez, but, that was VERY lucky, as Spikes never even moved, and the ball right to him.

Yeah, he was very lucky not to bite on the play fake and stand his ground in zone coverage putting himself in perfect position to pick it off.

Look, he is a young guy and he made a mistake. That doesn't mean we have to let him off the hook without taking any accountability for his actions, but let's get off our moral high ground. Suggesting he might be done in New England and starting to diminish his play just because of that is just dumb.

 

[scout]

I guess the silver lining is he will be fresh for the playoffs, rookie wall and all. Plus, it will give us a look at who steps up (hopefully). In regards to whatever he took, WTF? Don't give me the cough syrup I didn't know answer. Average Joe works for a living, avg. Joe knows that he can't (fill in the blank) because he'll be suspended and possibly lose his occupation. NFL athletes, making millions, knows that whatever they do, whatever they put into their bodies, may have an effect on their job status. I don't care what the excuse they give.

 

[Steve102]

I guess the silver lining is he will be fresh for the playoffs, rookie wall and all. Plus, it will give us a look at who steps up (hopefully). In regards to whatever he took, WTF? Don't give me the cough syrup I didn't know answer. Average Joe works for a living, avg. Joe knows that he can't (fill in the blank) because he'll be suspended and possibly lose his occupation. NFL athletes, making millions, knows that whatever they do, whatever they put into their bodies, may have an effect on their job status. I don't care what the excuse they give.

amen. Well said.

 

[ausbacker]

I know, with 100% certainty, that it's the case with even the professional athletes I've been around. You're welcome to believe otherwise all you want to, though.

You're not the authority on anything so stop acting like it. Professional athletes number 1 rule when it comes to any sort of substance is being taught to investigate the product before taking it. Hell you're even given cards with numbers of relevant officials/agencies to call to check out the product before you take it.

The mantra is you're responsible for what you ingest. There is no second chances.

 

[DaBruinz]

You're not the authority on anything so stop acting like it. Professional athletes number 1 rule when it comes to any sort of substance is being taught to investigate the product before taking it. Hell you're even given cards with numbers of relevant officials/agencies to call to check out the product before you take it.

The mantra is you're responsible for what you ingest. There is no second chances.

Are you a professional Athlete?? Because you are sure making it sound like your an authority on it! Hmm.. Didn't think so.

Every player has a lapse in judgement now and then.. And don't care if you're TFB, MFC or Spikes.. It happens..

And let me tell you something else.. If it's 3 am and you're at the 24 hour Walgreens trying to figure out what medicine to take since you have the flu, you aren't gonna be thinking straight. Pro Athlete or not.

People get on their stupid high horses but they don't think about REALITY. They forget that these guys are HUMAN.. They make mistakes..

 

[ausbacker]

Are you a professional Athlete?? Because you are sure making it sound like your an authority on it! Hmm.. Didn't think so.

Every player has a lapse in judgement now and then.. And don't care if you're TFB, MFC or Spikes.. It happens..

And let me tell you something else.. If it's 3 am and you're at the 24 hour Walgreens trying to figure out what medicine to take since you have the flu, you aren't gonna be thinking straight. Pro Athlete or not.

People get on their stupid high horses but they don't think about REALITY. They forget that these guys are HUMAN.. They make mistakes..

Yes.. I am. Feel free to offer your unreserved apology now.

You don't get second chances with substances (even if it's a mistake). Be happy it's the NFL and it's a 4 game suspension. That's 2 years at Olympic level sports.

 

[mgteich]

It seems clear now. Spikes knows that he should have gotten clarification. Almost all of us suggested that he should have done so. Only deus thinks that a player should just tage the medication and hope.

If he would have known that it would result in an 8+ page thread here, I bet he would have read the label.

Here is his statement:

“I’ve been contacted by the NFL and informed that I will be suspended four games for the detection of an illegal substance in a drug test,” said Spikes in the statement. ”The substance was a medication that I should have gotten clarification on before taking. It was not a performance enhancer or an illegal drug. The integrity of the game is very important to me. I understand the league’s ruling and apologize to my teammates, the fans and the Patriots organization for this mistake.”

 

[Deus Irae]

It seems clear now. Spikes knows that he should have gotten clarification. Almost all of us suggested that he should have done so. Only deus thinks that a player should just tage the medication and hope.

Only people who don't pay attention to what they are reading would say that. Take another look at what I wrote.

You've got a cough, and someone offers you NyQuil. Your first natural response is not going to be "Damn! I'd love to have some, but I'd better check in with the trainer.".

I've not said that Spikes was right. According to the policy, he clearly wasn't. I've said that I think the policy is asinine, and that people's natural first reaction won't be to think about calling the trainer. I'll stand by both of those notions.

 

[JMarr]

The fact Spikes has the size and ability to play SILB on 1st and 2nd down alone makes an impact. The huge year Mayo is having has a lot to do with the fact Spikes allowed him to move back to his natural position.

This. Spikes's impact has been underrated--he's one of the main reasons Mayo has been such a stud this year. Spikes also second on the team in tackles. Downhill-playing runstuffer that BB has been sorely missing at LB the past 3 few seasons. Guyton? Definite liability against the run. Fletcher? who knows.

This should will hurt us most vs. da Bears. Already thin on the D-Line, and if a good running team can run it up the gut at us, it could be a long day for the D, with whacked TOP in favor of Chicago and Cutler able to play-action all day. Think Ray Rice last January.

 

[UofApatsfan]

This. Spikes's impact has been underrated--he's one of the main reasons Mayo has been such a stud this year. Spikes also second on the team in tackles. Downhill-playing runstuffer that BB has been sorely missing at LB the past 3 few seasons. Guyton? Definite liability against the run. Fletcher? who knows.

Yeah exactly, and as you mentioned Spikes has been good on his own. He had 7 tackles and 1 interception in 23 snaps against the Jets, most would agree that's very good production while he's on the field. His snaps are limited because he's never in on passing downs, but you can't hold that against him when Guyton is the perfect ILB to have for those downs. I really don't think anyone could have expected more from him or Cunningham than what they've given up to this point.

 

[TX_Patriot]

I think we'll be OK. Fletcher is almost the exact same size as Spikes, is probably faster, has to be a heady player since he made the team as an UDFA and was calling the D in pre-season when he was in there, and has been getting more time on the field lately.

Spikes is playing his natural position, Dane is being converted from DE to ILB, ala Tedy, and that's why Spikes had a leg up on Fletcher from the start (knowledge-wise).

The one thing we don't know is how are Fletcher's football instincts. I have to think that BB picked him over McKenzie for a reason.

 

[Joker]

of course,the 800 pound elephant in the room is Jetdell....

ANOTHER CONVENIENT COINKY-DINKY TO HELP THE JETS MAKE THE PLAYOFFS

just a coincidence that this "test result" shows up RIGHT AFTER the humiliating destruction of the Jets..

 

[UofApatsfan]

I have to think that BB picked him over McKenzie for a reason.

special teams.....the only way you're making BB's roster as the 4th ILB is if you can contribute on special teams. McKenzie was cut largely because he was terrible on special teams.

 

[jcdavey]

weird, i was always told pats players didn't do this type of stuff

hmmm

 

[Deus Irae]

weird, i was always told pats players didn't do this type of stuff

hmmm

Given the histories of Ty Law (illegal drugs) and Rodney Harrison (HGH), I doubt you were always told that.

 

[larryo]

It is what it is but it's not what you think.

 

[Joker]

weird, i was always told pats players didn't do this type of stuff

hmmm

well, we all know if any fan should be throwing stones it's San Diego fan..

oh.......WAIT

 

[andrewgarrr]

weird, i was always told pats players didn't do this type of stuff

hmmm

not winning?

 

[Uncle Rico]

It is what it is but it's not what you think.

That's a Willie McGinest quote, right?