With rumors swirling around the Denver Broncos due to the possibility of free agent Peyton Manning being courted by the team, a story broke on Friday featuring the sort of news that NFL teams generally want no part of.
Vic Lombari of CBS4 in Denver reported on Friday that two Broncos players are to receive six-game suspensions for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy.
Two Broncos to receive 6-game suspensions for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy. Names coming shortly.
— Vic Lombardi (@VicLombardi) March 9, 2012
Just ten minutes later, Lombardi had the names of the players: defensive lineman Ryan McBean and linebacker D.J. Williams. Lombardi claimed that the two players would be filing federal lawsuits against the league on Monday, claiming that their tests were tampered with.
Ryan McBean and DJ Williams suspended six games each. They will file federal lawsuits against the NFL this Monday.
— Vic Lombardi (@VicLombardi) March 9, 2012
The players claim tampering during the process. Again, they will file federal lawsuits against the league. More to come....
— Vic Lombardi (@VicLombardi) March 9, 2012
ESPN's Adam Schefter later confirmed the six-game suspensions for McBean and Williams and added a new name to the mix: tight end Virgil Green, who will serve a four-game suspension.
Two Broncos, LB D.J. Williams and DL Ryan Mcbean, suspended six games each. TE Virgil Green suspended four games. League did not say why.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 9, 2012
The federal lawsuits claiming tampering is worrying. One hesitates to think that the recent result of the Ryan Braun ruling has set a precedent for a brand-new can of worms, but the timing of this revelation must be considered.
For all news and information regarding the Denver Broncos, please visit Mile High Report.