NFL News and Notes: Rookie of the Year Tests Positive

The Unfortunate Case of Brian Cushing

It's tough to break into the NFL as a rookie. Everything's so much faster, so much more violent, so much more professional - well, in some ways, anyway - that it isn't all that surprising that last season's Defensive Rookie of the Year, Brian Cushing, was busted for using some sort of performance-enhancing substance.

Of course, he says it's all a big mistake, that he never took steroids. The reality is the NFL isn't going to buy it and the Associated Press is holding another Defensive Rookie of the Year vote. Can't see him coming out on top this time, despite the 134 tackles, five sacks, and four picks for the Houston Texans.

ROY Steroid History

So now Cushing is just another name on the list of Defensive Rookies of the Year who also tested positive in recent memory. Two others? Chicago's big get of the offseason, Julius Peppers, and San Diego's Shawne Merriman.

I guess if you're want to look at the bright side, those two guys turned out all right, but this is a tough fall from grace for the 23-year-old Cushing.