Cowboys cornerback Orlando Scandrick has been handed a four-game suspension for taking the illegal drug MDMA, often called “Molly,” allegedly while on vacation in Mexico.
The NFL suspended Scandrick without pay for the first four games of the season but is allowing him to continue to participate in preseason games and practices. The defensive back will return to the active roster by September 29.
Scandrick took the banned substance while on vacation earlier this year and has been fighting the suspension since April after he tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs (PED).
Molly is not really a PED, but sometimes is laced with amphetamine which is classified as a PED according to the NFL’s policy.
The player insists that he didn’t knowingly take the drug and says that someone must have spiked his drink with it.
Regardless, Scandrick released a statement apologizing for his actions.
“I would like to apologize to my children, my family, the Jones family, my coaches, my teammates and my fans,” Scandrick said. “Failing a drug test is far out of my character, and although I never knowingly took a performance-enhancing drug/banned stimulant while on vacation in Mexico, I take full responsibility for what goes in my body and more importantly for the embarrassment of a failed drug test.”
The 2008 fifth-round pick has been an important part of the Cowboys’ defense, boasting 70 tackles, 15 pass breakups, and two interceptions last season.
Scandrick’s suspension is a blow to the Cowboys as the team already lost defensive end Demarcus Lawrence and linebacker Sean Lee to injuries (a broken foot and torn ACL, respectively). On top of that Linebacker Anthony Spencer may not be ready as the season starts as he is undergoing microfracture surgery.
“It’s my goal by issuing this statement to clear my name and more importantly to be judged by what happens to me in the future,” Scandrick further explained. “I hope that my family, my Cowboys football family and all my fans can forgive me for this situation. I look forward to a successful 2014 season.”
Follow Warner Todd Huston on Twitter @warnerthuston or email the author at igcolonel@hotmail.com
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