Monday, August 06, 2007
BROWNS TRAINING CAMP
By Tom Misson
What a shame. Just when it looked like the Browns Achilles' Heal from last season actually might be a strength this season, boom! A bomb shell dropped on Brownstown. Starting offensive right tackle Ryan Tucker suspended for the first 4 games of the season. The reason? Steroids. The new sports plague of the 21st century.
"I'd like to apologize to the Browns, the fans and my family. I'm going to continue to keep myself in good shape and serve the punishment," Tucker offered as he stood sheepishly infront of TV reporters and newspaper writers.
Well, at least he's sorry. Or so he says. Per NFL rules, Tucker is allowed to continue working with the team in training camp, and can actually suit-up and play in all four preseason games. His suspension begins September 1st. It ends October 1st. Between now and then, the Browns have a decision to make. Is it worth it giving Tucker a 3rd chance? This is, of course, his 2nd strike. The league suspended Tucker once before for failing a substance abuse test. For now, Tucker will smash helmets with the 2nd and 3rd stringers. Left tackle Kevin Shaffer gets the green light to move and perhaps start on the right side of the line. That leaves 1st round draft pick Joe Thomas with basically no competition to start at left tackle. That also means The Browns are once again thin on the depth chart on offensive line.
Maybe Phil Savage and Romeo Crennel will send a message to Tucker and the rest of the Browns players that this year WILL be different. Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me. Maybe Tucker will be wearing someone else's lid after he serves his suspension.
Wouldn't that be a shame.
What a shame. Just when it looked like the Browns Achilles' Heal from last season actually might be a strength this season, boom! A bomb shell dropped on Brownstown. Starting offensive right tackle Ryan Tucker suspended for the first 4 games of the season. The reason? Steroids. The new sports plague of the 21st century.
"I'd like to apologize to the Browns, the fans and my family. I'm going to continue to keep myself in good shape and serve the punishment," Tucker offered as he stood sheepishly infront of TV reporters and newspaper writers.
Well, at least he's sorry. Or so he says. Per NFL rules, Tucker is allowed to continue working with the team in training camp, and can actually suit-up and play in all four preseason games. His suspension begins September 1st. It ends October 1st. Between now and then, the Browns have a decision to make. Is it worth it giving Tucker a 3rd chance? This is, of course, his 2nd strike. The league suspended Tucker once before for failing a substance abuse test. For now, Tucker will smash helmets with the 2nd and 3rd stringers. Left tackle Kevin Shaffer gets the green light to move and perhaps start on the right side of the line. That leaves 1st round draft pick Joe Thomas with basically no competition to start at left tackle. That also means The Browns are once again thin on the depth chart on offensive line.
Maybe Phil Savage and Romeo Crennel will send a message to Tucker and the rest of the Browns players that this year WILL be different. Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me. Maybe Tucker will be wearing someone else's lid after he serves his suspension.
Wouldn't that be a shame.
Posted at 10:19 AM
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