When the appeal of Brian Cushing on his 4-game suspension became futile, the Houston Texan owner came to the rescue by personally talking to top NFL officials about Cushing case. Texan owner believes that his ward is free from steroids and the failed steroid test could be due to a medical condition. Cushing then told the public that he may be suffering from “overtrained athlete syndrome.” This is a new term for most sport fanatics but according to Cushing this was caused by too much training in the last season. The “overtrained athlete syndrome” caused his testosterone level to elevate at higher levels.

The effort of McNair to influence the top officials of the league was a test on the leadership of Roger Goodell. The attempt to change their previous decision is a tough issue. It can become a precedent for other similar issues. After a few weeks, the league came out with an announcement regarding the appeal on the 4-game suspension.

“At the request of Texans owner Bob McNair, Commissioner Goodell reviewed additional medical information presented on behalf of Brian Cushing,” said in the NFL statement. The league maintained its position by enforcing the suspension of Brian Cushing for the first 4 games of the season. “The club and Cushing were notified today that after carefully considering all the information, including a review by outside medical experts, the Commissioner finds no basis for changing the decision that Mr. Cushing’s suspension for the first four games of the regular season remains in place.”

With the decision of the league, Brian Cushing can only play on October 10 when they meet the New York Giants. The team should just let other rookies to step up while Cushing is still suspended. This case should also serve as a warning to other players to be careful on what they ingest or take. Although Brian Cushing vehemently denied that he took any performance enhancing substance, the positive test was a clear proof that he ingested something. Though he may be telling the truth but people are already annoyed of this kind of alibi. There are so many professional players who used the same alibi but ended up admitting to steroid use.

The overtrained syndrome which Cushing claim is still a debatable issue and needs more scientific proof. But the elevated testosterone level caused by steroid use is more comprehensible than the former. The fertility drug which was found on Cushing system was commonly used in conjunction with steroid cycles. The HCG will help restart normal testosterone production which is often affected by long term anabolic steroids use.

The former USC Trojans’ involvement in steroid issues since high school is also another thing why many people believe he is really using steroids. While in a NFL combine, Cushing and Mathews were named by a website for failing a steroid test. However, the website was not able to show evidence on the allegation so they were forced to retract their statement. That time, the NFL was quick to defend the new prospects saying they did not fail any steroid test.

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