T. Williams Suspended

[Deadskins]

I'm sure Scot will a long look at this and hash everything out in order to avoid making a half-baked decision - something that should resinate with our ownership. Either way, there's bound to be some blow back from the fan base.

One thing's for sure - with all the time off, Trent should not be suffering from burn out. That can creep up on you if you're not careful. On the flip side, Trent has to be a bit concerned about still having it when he returns - he'll know after his first hit. Let's hope the first LB who blindsides him decides to be kind rather than just lighting him up. I'm sure Trent will be looking to run over some nickel back on the second level instead.

After Trent sits for 4 games I expect the bowl to be packed for his debut against Philly. The Eagle defense will surely be looking for as many sacks as possible. I'd expect some screens to slow the rush. It'll be interesting to see how that shakes out.

Anyway, maybe Trent can provide a spark when he gets back. If not, they can trade him or, if he gets injured, stash him on IR. He certainly should not let one missed test get into his head. He needs to stem any feelings of melancholy and try to be as medicated ... um ... dedicated as possible. This may be his last chance so this would be a terrible opportunity to go wasted. His first morning after his first game back will be no time to catch an extra Z. That's a sure way to lose a chance at hanging onto his JOB.

No time to zig-zag, Trent. Just roll with it. Get fired up. Blaze a new trail. Be the bomb.

[Countertrey]

FWIW, I've read in a few places that Trent missed a test, not that he failed one!!
...And due to his past violation(s) with Smokey Davis, incurred the 4 game suspension. Not that that would be much smarter of our probowl Tackle, just again more information about the man many are quick to put on blast without knowing the full story.

FWIW, it doesn't matter. The burden is on TW to take care of business. He didn't. Fail. Among the tough things that must be done by any professional athlete, peeing in a cup should be pretty damned easy... Most of us can do it half asleep in the middle of the night with our eyes closed. I guarantee... if I'm making TW money for playing a kids game that I love, I'm finding a way to tcb.

[cowboykillerzRGiii]

FWIW, I've read in a few places that Trent missed a test, not that he failed one!!
...And due to his past violation(s) with Smokey Davis, incurred the 4 game suspension. Not that that would be much smarter of our probowl Tackle, just again more information about the man many are quick to put on blast without knowing the full story.

FWIW, it doesn't matter. The burden is on TW to take care of business. He didn't. Fail. Among the tough things that must be done by any professional athlete, peeing in a cup should be pretty damned easy... Most of us can do it half asleep in the middle of the night with our eyes closed. I guarantee... if I'm making TW money for playing a kids game that I love, I'm finding a way to tcb.

Again... my points were and are that us posters might reserve a little judgment before attacking a man's character. He is typically the go to man for charity events, and is always seen donating time for kids and fans alike.
I never questioned how easy it is to piss in a cup... in fact I have a hard time believing any of these millionaire athletes aren't smart enough to use a wizinator (fake wiener and fake piss delivered at body temp; 100% undetectable unless the tester makes you drop your undies to the floor and lift your shirt) and pass the tests regardless of sobriety.

As more details come out (that he missed a test not failed it, and that the league has some erratic testing methods and rules) its easier to empathize with TW, over blindly bashing him IMHO. To each their own tho.

[Prowl33]

This whole arguement back and forth is stupid.

Know what probably happened? Trent wasn't a perfect person (unlike those passing judgement here think they are) He prolly smoked a little weed, knew he would fail the test, so didn't take it.

Should people be upset with him? Sure. But get over it. It's done. He's put for 4 games, ty will replace him and perform just fine.

The bright side? Trent has been pretty banged up, he can get the rest he likely needs, and play like a man possessed the last 4 games of the year like we need him to, and hopefully a few games after that.

[DEHog]

the penalty is not at all the same

It's not? Reports said missed test=+test??

I didn't realize that things got reset after two years clean. If that's really the case, then maybe it is the same. I was working under the impression that a repeat offense would result in at least a one year suspension, so four weeks seemed light by comparison.

Yea me either...this is from the NFLPA Drug Policy..

A Player will remain in Stage Two for 24 months or two (2) full seasons, whichever is shorter, beginning from the later of his date of entry into Stage Two or the date of his violation within Stage Two. After 12 months in Stage Two, if the Player has not had any additional positive tests, within a reasonable time period, the Medical Director and Medical Advisor will assess the Player and decide whether he will be discharged at that time. Such determination shall be based on the Player’s compliance with the Program, clinical progress and negative testing record. If the Player is not discharged, the Medical Director and Medical Advisor will, after six months, assess whether the Player should be discharged at that time. After every such assessment, the Medical Director and Medical Advisor shall notify the Player in writing of their decision if they do not discharge the Player. Any decision to discharge a Player from the Program early as set forth in this Section shall be within the sole discretion of the Medical Director. Once a Player is discharged, he will be afforded he same status as a Player who had never by Behavior or a Positive Test been referred to the Intervention Program.

In reading it, TW (and all NFL Players) are giving ample opportunities to clean up their act before they ever get suspended or it goes public.

[SkinsJock]

I'm all for Scot and the FO getting all the facts and making a decision based on that ... if there's a reasonable explanation then by all means bring him back but if there is not, I hope that the FO finds a way to not have him on the roster ASAP

this franchise does not need players that refuse to accept their responsibilities to the coaches, players and the franchise

these guys get a lot of money to play and that requires them to follow the rules

[riggofan]

Know what probably happened? Trent wasn't a perfect person (unlike those passing judgement here think they are) He prolly smoked a little weed, knew he would fail the test, so didn't take it.

Seems like the most likely explanation. Stupid move that hurts his team and is going to cost him $1.6m at a minimum.

I'm pretty much with you though. Having done a number of dumb/regrettable things in my life, particularly in my 20s, I'm not going to beat the man up about it. He's a great player. The team is going to have to take stock of the situation and decide if they can risk putting their trust in him in the future.

[SkinsJock]

Know what probably happened? Trent wasn't a perfect person (unlike those passing judgement here think they are) He prolly smoked a little weed, knew he would fail the test, so didn't take it.

Seems like the most likely explanation. Stupid move that hurts his team and is going to cost him $1.6m at a minimum.

I'm pretty much with you though. Having done a number of dumb/regrettable things in my life, particularly in my 20s, I'm not going to beat the man up about it. He's a great player. The team is going to have to take stock of the situation and decide if they can risk putting their trust in him in the future.

I did drugs when I was younger - this is completely different - the only person directly affected by my choice was myself

when you decide that you want to play in the NFL you agree to abide by their rules - if you don't like the rules, stop playing

we don't know all the circumstances but if this is a stupid move on his part then I hope he accepts the consequences

the team needs to "take stock of the situation" and they will handle it appropriately

[Countertrey]

This whole arguement back and forth is stupid.

Know what probably happened? Trent wasn't a perfect person (unlike those passing judgement here think they are) He prolly smoked a little weed, knew he would fail the test, so didn't take it.

Should people be upset with him? Sure. But get over it. It's done. He's put for 4 games, ty will replace him and perform just fine.

The bright side? Trent has been pretty banged up, he can get the rest he likely needs, and play like a man possessed the last 4 games of the year like we need him to, and hopefully a few games after that.

Because, justifying selfish is the new American thing to do... I guarantee... if this were Jason Peters, or Doug Free, or any number of hated opposition, not one would be creating excuses.

[RigAr4456]

Getting popped with a dirty test for smoking marijuana is definitely pretty easy to avoid unless you are smoking it on a consistent basis. I used to get tested every week and I would always wait until the test and then afterwards get my high on. Of course I stopped at one day and was a very active person. You can't smoke pot on a regular or semi regular basis and expect to pee clean.

[StorminMormon86]

This whole arguement back and forth is stupid.

Know what probably happened? Trent wasn't a perfect person (unlike those passing judgement here think they are) He prolly smoked a little weed, knew he would fail the test, so didn't take it.

Should people be upset with him? Sure. But get over it. It's done. He's put for 4 games, ty will replace him and perform just fine.

The bright side? Trent has been pretty banged up, he can get the rest he likely needs, and play like a man possessed the last 4 games of the year like we need him to, and hopefully a few games after that.

Because, justifying selfish is the new American thing to do... I guarantee... if this were Jason Peters, or Doug Free, or any number of hated opposition, not one would be creating excuses.

Good points.

[riggofan]

Know what probably happened? Trent wasn't a perfect person (unlike those passing judgement here think they are) He prolly smoked a little weed, knew he would fail the test, so didn't take it.

Seems like the most likely explanation. Stupid move that hurts his team and is going to cost him $1.6m at a minimum.

I'm pretty much with you though. Having done a number of dumb/regrettable things in my life, particularly in my 20s, I'm not going to beat the man up about it. He's a great player. The team is going to have to take stock of the situation and decide if they can risk putting their trust in him in the future.

I did drugs when I was younger - this is completely different - the only person directly affected by my choice was myself

when you decide that you want to play in the NFL you agree to abide by their rules - if you don't like the rules, stop playing

we don't know all the circumstances but if this is a stupid move on his part then I hope he accepts the consequences

Wasn't my point. I agree with you completely about it being a dick move for letting your teammates down, not to mention its a completely stupid thing to do when you know you're being tested periodically. I'm talking specifically about attacking his character. Good people make mistakes. Do dumb, stupid and selfish things. Especially young people.

And I don't think he has any choice but to accept the consequences of these actions.

[riggofan]

Because, justifying selfish is the new American thing to do...

Not sure what there is to justify. The man damaged his reputation with the fans and his teammates and cost himself $1.6 MILLION.

[SkinsJock]

I don't have anything against Trent Williams as a person - Trent Williams the NFL player is the issue here

some here are making out like this is just a little mistake - it could very well be, and if that's the case the Redskins will support him

but ... if it's a bad choice on his part, I hope he gets what he deserves from both the NFL and the Redskins

btw, if that is the case - 4 games and $1.6M is not enough - his stupidity could impact the earnings and jobs of teammates

hopefully, there is a reasonable explanation for this

[Deadskins]

Getting popped with a dirty test for smoking marijuana is definitely pretty easy to avoid unless you are smoking it on a consistent basis. I used to get tested every week and I would always wait until the test and then afterwards get my high on. Of course I stopped at one day and was a very active person. You can't smoke pot on a regular or semi regular basis and expect to pee clean.

Smoking pot weekly (as you described), IS "a regular or semi regular basis." THC is stored in fat cells, so unless your body fat index is extremely low, you will test positive. But there are things you can do to fool the testing, especially if you know a day in advance when the testing will take place.

[Prowl33]

SJ you want to keep throwing out there the "stop playing" thing. If him getting in trouble twice in his what 8-10 years with us constitutes you saying he should stop playing, then you have got to be one of the worst fans there is. Get over it and stop treating the man like he's one of those scum bags out there that beats on his woman or getsy involved in fights or shooting in night clubs.

[Countertrey]

Because, justifying selfish is the new American thing to do...

Not sure what there is to justify. The man damaged his reputation with the fans and his teammates and cost himself $1.6 MILLION.

You'd have to ask Prowl about that, don't you think?

[Prowl33]

It's not justification, I'm not trying to just give him a free pass. Just stating to those that are acting like this is the end of the world, he ruined our season, he does this all the time, we shouldn't of resigned him, he shouldn't be in the team... etc etc bs people are whining , that you are blowing a load over nothing. Ge mad at him for a second, then get over it and wait for him to come back.

[Countertrey]

It's not justification, I'm not trying to just give him a free pass. Just stating to those that are acting like this is the end of the world, he ruined our season, he does this all the time, we shouldn't of resigned him, he shouldn't be in the team... etc etc bs people are whining , that you are blowing a load over nothing. Ge mad at him for a second, then get over it and wait for him to come back.

See, here's the thing. In an HONEST world, you get ONE screw up as a pass. He got that... and, now has done it again. He can come back... but, I will never have the same respect for him, again. He's just another player. Will that matter to him? Prolly not... will it matter that some of his team mates are equally disappointed, and will see their respect for him plummet? Maybe... just pot? Maybe... but, I suspect that they are probably following the damned rules, and are wondering why the hell he couldn't.

[SkinsJock]

I mean ... really? if this is no big deal, it's no big deal but if this is a case of him not being able to say no, then he deserves the $1.6M fine and the 4 game suspension and I hope he's not wearing B&G for long either

there's no way to say "well he just did a little pot ..." "it's not that big of a deal, after all it's legal in a lot of states ..."

if that's the case, he's making a choice that he knows will impact the guys he plays with

are you freaking kidding me - he had his chance, get him out of here




OK - I've been drinking but this really pisses me off

[DEHog]

It's not justification, I'm not trying to just give him a free pass. Just stating to those that are acting like this is the end of the world, he ruined our season, he does this all the time, we shouldn't of resigned him, he shouldn't be in the team... etc etc bs people are whining , that you are blowing a load over nothing. Ge mad at him for a second, then get over it and wait for him to come back.

See, here's the thing. In an HONEST world, you get ONE screw up as a pass. He got that... and, now has done it again. He can come back... but, I will never have the same respect for him, again. He's just another player. Will that matter to him? Prolly not... will it matter that some of his team mates are equally disappointed, and will see their respect for him plummet? Maybe... just pot? Maybe... but, I suspect that they are probably following the damned rules, and are wondering why the hell he couldn't.

If you read the NFL Drug policy it's like his 6th positive test, you don't get suspended for your first positive test. You're placed in the intervention program, that the disappointing part of this for me. TW having tested positive and getting suspended once already knew this full well...that's why IMO he skipped this test.

[Hooligan]

It's frustrating because Trent is an almost irreplaceable piece of the puzzle. I think we tend to take it for granted that we didn't miss a beat when Samuels had to retire. That's one reason I can't bash Trent too badly; the guy has certainly produced. Still, it's very disappointing that he lacks that much self-discipline and it's hurting the team.

Wanting him off the team though? Get real. I bet the same people who don't want Trent here still idolize Riggins and Manley

[SkinsJock]

I don't want any player on this team that makes choices that hurt himself, his teammates and the team

If Trent did that then he should be replaced - we need players that can be relied on to be there for each other

see ya

[Countertrey]

It's not justification, I'm not trying to just give him a free pass. Just stating to those that are acting like this is the end of the world, he ruined our season, he does this all the time, we shouldn't of resigned him, he shouldn't be in the team... etc etc bs people are whining , that you are blowing a load over nothing. Ge mad at him for a second, then get over it and wait for him to come back.

See, here's the thing. In an HONEST world, you get ONE screw up as a pass. He got that... and, now has done it again. He can come back... but, I will never have the same respect for him, again. He's just another player. Will that matter to him? Prolly not... will it matter that some of his team mates are equally disappointed, and will see their respect for him plummet? Maybe... just pot? Maybe... but, I suspect that they are probably following the damned rules, and are wondering why the hell he couldn't.

If you read the NFL Drug policy it's like his 6th positive test, you don't get suspended for your first positive test. You're placed in the intervention program, that the disappointing part of this for me. TW having tested positive and getting suspended once already knew this full well...that's why IMO he skipped this test.

And, that's really my point...

[Deadskins]

I've been drinking

Oh, the hypocrisy.