The revote on Defensive Rookie of the Year

The Defensive Rookie of the Year award handed out annually by the Associated Press has been in the news lately because its recipient Brian Cushing was just suspended after failing a test for performance enhancing drugs, and then losing his appeal.

The test, reportedly taken last September, suggests Cushing played 2009 while benefitting from a cycle of PEDs that are banned by the NFL.

So the AP yesterday decided to have a revote. The 50 people who vote annually on the AP All-Pro team and post-season awards got an e-mail ballot that is due Wednesday. I am one of those voters. I had no trouble re-submitting my ballot.

I orginally picked Buffalo safety Jairus Byrd as my DROY choice and was only one of six people to do so. Cushing got 39 votes. I simply stuck with my original vote.

The AP also took a revote on the outside linebacker position. In that one, I had to make a change. I had originally voted for Cushing and Elvis Dumervil. In my new ballot I changed out Cushing for DeMarcus Ware, who was an All-Pro selection even without my original vote.

So here is the question: Do you, as fans, believe a positive drug test can rightfully cost a player a post-season award because his performance was enhanced by a drug?

I obviously do think the award deserved a revote. And I'll live with the results of the majority. But I have a bad taste about giving any award to someone who gains it by cheating.

The reason I'm blogging this is that someone following me on twitter wanted me to vote for Vontae Davis or Sean Smith for DROY. Now, I have no problem voting for local guys. In fact, I feel I know them best as I've watched all their games.

That's the reason I voted for Tony Sparano as coach of the year in 2008 (he didn't win) and voted for Jake Long for All-Pro last year (he got it).

But Vontae Davis or Sean Smith for DROY?

I believe both played well at times. I believe both made strides. I believe both will continue to improve and become better players. But both also had moments in which they struggled.

Davis was beaten deep a handful of times. Smith's coverage was not always as tight as one would want and he didn't have any interceptions. In defending Gibril Wilson at the Indianapolis Combine, general manager Jeff Ireland laid some of the blame for the lapses in the secondary on the rookies.

Byrd, meanwhile, had nine interceptions. No, he wasn't Ronnie Lott in run-support. But which one of you wouldn't have taken nine interceptions from your free safety last year?

So I cast my vote. I'm sticking with it.

Discuss ...

Comments

[odinseye]

I've been prescribed steroids as a kid with asthma. My mother is currently taking them for a severe medical condition.
I didn't think these were the all "evil" anabolic type.
What are they being prescribed for?

[JUSTIN CREDIBLE]

DRUGS ARE NOT LEGAL BECAUSE THEY MAKE MORE MONEY THAT WAY.

COURT FEES
FINES
SAFE CITY
STATE FUNDING FOR INMATES

100 DOLLARS PER INMATE FOR FOOD(EVEN THOUGH A SLICE OF HAM AND A SLICE OF CHEESE WITH 2 SLICES OF BREAD DONT COST NEARLY THAT MUCH BUT ADD OATMEAL FOR BREAKFAST AND A PIECE OF CHICKEN FOR DINNER MAYBE IT COULD COST A HUNDRED

[JUSTIN CREDIBLE]

WITHOUT DRUGS THE ECONOMY WILL SUFFER.

[beerphin]

Marc,
whether or not they should or shouldn't be banned is irrelevant. Steroids and whatever else is banned are against the rules therefore it is cheating. The person who does abide by the rules should be at a disadvantage becuz they care about there health and conscience? Affects are negative any way you look at it he has hurt his team now w/ suspension and negative media. He cheated therefore should not be included with voting period in my opinion just cuz 90% does it doesn't make it ok and those 10% are the real winners.

[odinseye]

Justin,

They wouldn't let us have real chicken.

Everybody kept making shank tips out of the bones!

[beerphin]

honestly wouldn't have a problem if they did change the rules for football but it would take away from the history of the game and its purity. Baseball's steroids issues/ use is what really bothers me

[Ace]

Marc, I used to feel sorry for you. I dont anymore due to your odd stance on this steroid deal. You think steriod use in baseball is cool???WTF. Dont even go there. It is against the rules in football, period.

[Po White Trash]

I feel like sharing….

I’m no longer a spring chicken and I am having hormone treatments aka “anti-aging treatments” by a physician; AKA testosterone.

Steroids are a bastardized version of testosterone in a lot of cases. I have found I like the results in the gym and elsewhere. I will just say this; most things are okay in moderation. Excess is usually the culprit with most problems that you all are referencing today. Unfortunately people are people and tend to do things in excess. More more more.

[Rob in OC]

Yazzi,

Hey thanks bud!

Nope... no participant in any funny biz here... I hate the multi screen names and mostly just don't participate when the blog strays too far from football.

It has done that a ton since the draft so I just pick and choose when to comment.

Lotta weird blog dialog, in-fighting, blog madness and overall non football hangover threads. Mostly just name calling BS sometimes... non productive imho.

I'll wade in more when it's of football and loaded with football content.

I did like the Jerry Jones blog with the picture of his draft board... Great stuff Mando!
I could care less where/when Mando got the pic and subsequently did the blog... gj Arm Sag!

Cheers,

[odinseye]

Beerphin,

This would be one step away from the Roman Gladiator days.

Who cares about the athletes as long as we're being entertained.

Lets legalize chop blocks, horse collars and clotheslines. Helmet too helmet contact prefered.

We could fence off the end zones and put lions in them. To score a touch down you have to dive in the cage.

All Hail Goodell!

I know you're not advocating all this Beerphin, I'm just saying where do we draw the line?

[Marc]

Odin, medical uses: (For the record)

Bone marrow stimulation: For decades, anabolic steroids were the mainstay of therapy for hypoplastic anemias due to leukemia or kidney failure, especially aplastic anemia.Anabolic steroids have largely been replaced in this setting by synthetic protein hormones (such as epoetin alfa) that selectively stimulate growth of blood cell precursors.

Growth stimulation: Anabolic steroids can be used by pediatric endocrinologists to treat children with growth failure.[78] However, the availability of synthetic growth hormone, which has fewer side effects, makes this a secondary treatment.

Prophylaxis for hereditary angioedema (HAE), a deficiency of the blood component that prevents swelling

Stimulation of appetite and preservation and increase of muscle mass: Anabolic steroids have been given to people with chronic wasting conditions such as cancer and AIDS

Induction of male puberty: Androgens are given to many boys distressed about extreme delay of puberty. Testosterone is now nearly the only androgen used for this purpose and has been shown to increase height, weight, and fat-free mass in boys with delayed puberty

Testosterone enanthate has frequently been used as a male contraceptive and it is thought that in the near future it could be used as a safe, reliable, and reversible male contraceptive

Anabolic steroids have been found in some studies to increase lean body mass and prevent bone loss in elderly men

Used in hormone replacement therapy for men with low levels of testosterone and is also effective in improving libido for elderly males

Not that I really care what they're SUPPOSED to be used for...

Po's hitting the juice HRT. Good for him

[odinseye]

PO,

You said it. I survived the eighties playing Rock Bands.

If one is good, two are better. That makes three GREAT..................

[Marc]

Odin, those are all FANTASTIC ideas. Don't pretend that you, or I, or people in general wouldn't watch! UFC, an amaturish boxing-type fighting is hugely popular right now. Boxing is brutal enough, but this is almost bare-knuckeled and bloody. People LOVE violence!

[Po White Trash]

You guys are great no mater what they say about ya'll. LOL

[JUSTIN CREDIBLE]

ALL THIS TALK ABOUT DRUGS I WANT TO ROLL SOMETHING UP.

[Marc]

I am curious though Ace, why in the world would you ever feel sorry for me? I have a wonderful existance. I'm about to go blow the back outta my ex wife...

[Willi Chirino]

Marc, those D-Cups you got almost fell out of your dress that day. Thank you steroids

[Po White Trash]

JUSTIN,

A bong is better on the lungs....

Just don't take big hits.

[Darryl Dunphy]

Rob in OC back in the house! Good to hear from you. Thought you might have packed the bags, and gone elsewhere. Some of the posts got a little out of control latley. The last few days have been better.
The drug use in the NFL will always bw a part of the culture. Players are always looking for an edge. It could be in the form of performance enhancement, or pain reduction. Think about how many cortizone injections a player may recieve in a year. Although legal, possibly as harmful as steroids if taken over and over. How about the abuse of painkillers in the NFL. Again these are legal(when perscribed)It is accepted as "part of the game"
I am not advocating the use of steroids, I'm just pointing out that some of the legal drugs that these guys take(everyday for a majority) are just as harmful. This is their choice, I understand. Is this the price most pay, just to play?

[Tampafin]

I've heard that Tiger Woods uses either steroids or growth hormone.

Does the PGA test golfers?

[Craig M]

Armando,

Your making the right call on changing your vote on Cushing. He cheated and doesn't deserve the award. I don't care how many other guys are doing it and who is and isn't getting caught. He got caught red-handed and to award a guy for that is wrong. Not sure I would vote for Byrd. I might think long and hard about giving it to Matthews.

[odinseye]

Marc,

Machida and Lidell are my hero's.

I've studied and still practice martial arts, and I love UFC.

Thanks for the comments on my ideas, but that's just ME!

I don't think they're quite ready for prime time-LOL!

[odinseye]

Justin has made one good post after another tomight.

Touche' my brother!

[Marc]

I don't watch UFC. Prefer boxing. That's just ME

[Po White Trash]

If you are old enough and a physician says you qualify, it's legal to be prescribed HGH in the US. I do not qualify. Think you have to be in your upper 40s.

[Marc]

Or get a better Dr Po ;) Preferably one in China...

[Po White Trash]

No thanks....

[Po White Trash]

You all have a good one.

Go Phins!

[Bendiesel]

I think a revote cheapens the process. You can't take someone out of the hall of fame, you can't take an award. Put an asterisk on it, but don't take it away from the guy he still needed to be a skilled player to perform on that level.

[comfortablynumb]

Personally, I am glad that they are taking a revote....

Sure people that juice still have talent. Nobody is taking that stand; however, it does definitely give a person an unfair advantage, in my opinion...

Look at Barry Bonds....

Did Juicing help him hit the curve ball better??? Probably not. But when he did hit the ball, it went flying out of the park; whereas, maybe if he wasn't on the juice, he might have hit a pop fly....

Same logic applies to football....

[comfortablynumb]

Personally, I am glad that they are taking a revote....

Sure people that juice still have talent. Nobody is taking that stand; however, it does definitely give a person an unfair advantage, in my opinion...

Look at Barry Bonds....

Did Juicing help him hit the curve ball better??? Probably not. But when he did hit the ball, it went flying out of the park; whereas, maybe if he wasn't on the juice, he might have hit a pop fly....

Same logic applies to football, and every other sport....

[comfortablynumb]

whoops....

Didn't mean to hit the submit botton twice...

My apologies...

Phin up...

[Ace]

Odinseye,

What style did you study or practice? Just asking.

Marc, I just feel sorry for you that is all.

[JUSTIN CREDIBLE]

WEED IS LEGAL IN NJ IF PERSCRIBED BY A DOCTOR.

I'm GLAD MY DOC CARES MORE ABOUT MONEY THAN THE LAW.

GOOD NITE ALL

PEACE & LOVE

[Ace]

comfortablynumb,

You are right about B Bonds and others too. Those hitters is baseball all have the skill in hitting the ball. The roids will give them the power to hit the ball farther that is all.

[Ace]

Justin,

A mind is a terrible thing to waste.

[ALoco]

COMFORTABLY DUMB, WHAT A NAME IS THAT >?

[Ace]

Aloco, what is the movie of the night?

[ALoco]

TAKING DRUGS IN THE NFL IS BIG AND HUGE .I WONDER HOW DEFENSIVE PLAYERS GET THEIR BODYS FROM ?

[ALoco]

REVENGE OF THE NERD 11...DUMB MOVIE,YOU JUST TURN THE SOUND OFF AND LOOK AT THE SCREEN .

[Sam Colt]

I have thought about today's previous blog. It is okay to be critical. It is okay to call it like you see it. To deny our teams leadership has made errors is not necessary. They would admit to it themselves.
I have seen every one of Miami's 43 previous season and am looking forward to my 44th. In those years and in all the criticism written, there was always and underlying respect. A "Line" that would not get crossed.
I see something going on this year that is different. It is above and beyond the normal Miami Dolphins front office hammering.
The "Stiff Arm" that Bill and Co. have laid on the Media guys has really got them mad, and its starting to show in what they write IMO. I for one agree with the management about having the press in every piece of business. I cannot see where they (The management) would get a fair shake from the media about most matters. Particularly from what I have seen thus far. And do to that "Stalemate" that has arisen between the two groups, different lines have been drawn for a different reason. These lines being the lines of battle. A battle over access and information, the two essential things the media needs to survive and do their thing. Because of them not getting what they feel they are entitled too they have faced off in a way against this Front office.
I for one do not place the local media above a concerted effort to cause turmoil in the fan base. And once you have done that, you have created uncertainty concerning an expensive product. In this case, the product the Dolphins are selling is tickets to home games. Uncertainty about their ability to compete, or the perception they are not being "Careful" with the consumers money causes some to become unwilling to purchase tickets. Get a fan base upset and unsure, and it will translate into a split in the fan base. Don't believe me? Go back and read this mornings blog. Do it often enough and it will cause an issue that can cost a ton of cash. Cause 1000 people to not go to 8 games at $150 a ticket (at club level prices) and you cost the team $1,200,000.00 and that does not even count the vendors and parking.
1000
X150
X8
=1,200,000.00

Call the whole thing a "Media shake Down" of the Miami Dolphins. Heck, If I can think this crap up... so can they. If it gets them what they want... they will use it as sure as I am writing about it.

Say what you may... But SOMETHING is different. I have already read some posts by some who have seen the change. Look, I doubt the media are all sitting in a room with Dr. Evil and "Sharks with Laser beams on their heads" talking about blackmailing the Fish... they do not have to... they only need to write a blog about how Miami is screwing itself and fans by making mistakes and having to draft player's two and three times in order to get a position filled. Or spending crazy money on a FA when they did the same last year. And do it without one single mention of the fact the same exact thing happens on every team in the NFL. Sound like this morning to you? I don't believe Armando is doing this crap. But there is something in the breeze, I don't think I am imagining what I am seeing.

I wonder who will show some integrity and knock it off?

Food for thought... Take it as serious as you wish.

[Ace]

Aloco, I picture marc as one of those nerds. Which one?

[odinseye]

Ace,

Mainly Taekwondo. In doing so, I came into contact with a lot of various/hybrid types.

My two "secondaries" are Jujitsu and Judo.

[ALoco]

MARC IS A LEAGUE BY HIMSELF . NERD WISE .

[ALoco]

SAM COLT..... GIVE US A BREAK ,WHO CAN READ THIS CRAP AT 10.08 PM .TOO LONG .

[The Seer]

The League Office should award us a retroactive victory against Houston! Didn't Cushing make one or two or a few Big Plays that swung that Game to the Texans?

Cheating Swine.

Masking Agent.

[A dolfan in cali]

Adam Schefter reported that Cushing tested positive for elevated levels of HcG, not steroids.

[Ace]

Aloco are you saying marc "plays for the other team"?

[Ace]

Odinseye, What is your rank? Ever study Karate?

[Ace]

Home, what are you talking about? Carlito and what slug??

[ALoco]

IN SHOP NBC ,MARGIE IS SELLING ( HAND CAVED MARBLE TABLE ) FOR 206 DOLLARS .HOW THAT BE IF IT'S MADE IN CHINA .

[ALoco]

HOME,

CARLITO IS THE SOUL AND THE LOVE OF THIS BLOG ,HE NEVER LEVE A TRAIL BUT LEVES FRIENDSHIP AND LOVE .

[ALoco]

LEAVES

[The Seer]

HcG results from the use of a masking agent that is employed at the end of a "cycle" of steroid use.

Stop grasping for excuses....like Colin Cowherd, who has good USC sources, stated today, its been a poorly-kept secret since senior yr that Cushing remarkable growth & strength "spurt" was artificially achieved.

[beerndrums]

Sam Colt;I usually don't read posts that are super long but I must say that I enjoyed that one.Very insightful.

[AIH]

Funny how the debate was good when Mando was on here but as soon as he left the losers like Odinseye and Carlito come back to ruin the blog.

Boys, get a clue and find a girlfriend or something. Leave the blog to the adults.

Posted by: Alex in Hialeah | May 11, 2010 at 03:37 PM

AMEN brother! Hey ODY...Alex put you U in your place, half breed!

[odinseye]

Sam Colt,

Great post!

One of the best I've read in quite a while.

Right on the money.

Armando and the reat of the talking heads have been trying a full court press to no avail.

All Hail the Trifecta!
Now they're left to wallow in their own misery.

[odinseye]

AMEN brother! Hey ODY...Alex put you U in your place, half breed!

Posted by: AIH | May 11, 2010 at 10:50 PM

I'm on the bourban tonight, so just let me say:

Amen to you brother, it's a GOOD PLACE TO BE :)

[Ace]

Odinseye,

What is your rank?

[pistol]

So the media is longing for the buddy buddy ass-slapping days of Wannstache?