Cedric Griffin suspended 4 games for substance abuse
Washington Redskins CB Cedric Griffin has been suspended for four games -- the remainder of the 2012 regular season -- for violating the NFL's rules on the use of performance enhancing drugs [PED].
Here is the official statement from the NFL:
"Cedric Griffin of the Washington Redskins has been suspended without pay for the team’s next four games for violating the NFL policy on performance enhancing substances.
"Griffin’s suspension begins immediately. He will be eligible to return to the Redskins’ active roster on Monday, December 31 following the team’s December 30 game against the Dallas Cowboys."
UPDATE: Redskins starting CB DeAngelo Hall is on crutches and wearing a walking boot today. Apparently, though, he seems confident he will start, as usual, on Sunday against the Ravens.
If the suspension of Griffin is being announced now, and it is, then that means an appeal filed by Griffin, if one was filed, has already failed. The suspension should take effect immediately.
This makes Griffin the fourth Redskins player to be suspended for substance abuse violation in the last year. TE Fred Davis and LT Trent Williams were both suspended for the last four games of 2011 for marijuana use and FS Tanard Jackson was suspended indefinitely at the start of this season for using drugs while a member of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The loss of Griffin, who has been one of the worst cornerbacks in the NFL in the past three years, thins out the Redskins already thin secondary. As noted above, Jackson, who was expected to start at free safety, has missed the entire year due to drugs. SS Brandon Meriweather, who was expected to to start at the other safety position, has missed all but 2+ quarters of this season due to injuries to both knees.
The loss of Griffin should not cripple the defense, however, Griffin missed three games earlier this season with a strained hamstring and the Redskins won two of those games. Backup CB D.J. Johnson played some against the Giants last night and will probably get additional playing time now. Rookie 7th round pick Richard Crawford, who has spent recent weeks on the inactive list, will probably now be activated and play on game day.
JACKASS!!! . . . and even though he has been slightly better lately he still SUCKS . . . see ya later!!!
