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PFT: Broncos P Sauerbrun gets 4-game suspension for Ephedra

http://www.profootballtalk.com/rumormill.htm

Quote:

POSTED 6:57 p.m. EDT, July 6, 2006
SAUERBRUN SUSPENDED FOR FOUR GAMES

Two league sources tell us that Broncos punter Todd Sauerbrun has been suspended by the NFL for four games, for violation of the league's policy regarding steroids. Sauerbrun, we're told, tested positive for ephedra.

The NFL began testing for ephedra after the death of Vikings offensive lineman Korey Stringer. As Mike Freeman (then of the New York Times) explained in 2003, team lawyers contended in defending against a wrongful death lawsuit that ephedra was a factor in Stringer's demise; Stringer's family denied that ephedra played a role in his passing.

Last year, Sauerbrun was identified as a recipient of steroids from Dr. James Shortt during Sauerbrun's stint with the Carolina Panthers. Sauerbrun told the AP in October 2005 that the stigma regarding the steroid issue "won't go away as long as I'm in the NFL."

An 11-year veteran, Sauerbrun has punted for the Bears, Chiefs, Panthers, and Broncos. He was elected to the Pro Bowl in 2002, 2003, and 2004, and he is the punter of the PFT 2006 All-Turd Team.

It's not known at this point whether Sauerbrun has exhausted any available appeals, which could delay the implementation of the suspension.

The other punters on the Broncos' roster are rookie Jeff Williams of Adams State and Tyler Fredrickson of Cal, who is listed as a punter and a kicker. Look for the team to add a veteran punter who'll be able to handle the chores if/when Sauerbrun serves his four-game sit, and possibly beyond.