Mathis suspended first 4 games of 2014.

[ColtsBlueFL]

I caught it later in the thread. I was reading from the drug policy not realizing they were different

 

I can see that happening.  Because they do have 2 policies. One is more for recreational substances that not only don't help performance but may even detract, and the other is for those drugs that could give advantage to the substance abuser on the field, no matter how infinitesimal.

[Narcosys]

If you read his statement, his doctor told him to take the Clomid because his wife had a health issue that wouldn't allow her to take it. That does not scream low sperm count to me if his wife was supposed to take the Clomid but couldn't. Plus, that doctor isn't even a fertility specialist.

I did read his statement, however missed that part. This doesn't change your extreme case statement. However, the facts are there to support his case. His wife's documented issue, them being pregnant, etc.

[Cynjin]

Neither was winning the AFC South ....

 

Or the AFC East.

[deedub75]

I did read his statement, however missed that part. This doesn't change your extreme case statement. However, the facts are there to support his case. His wife's documented issue, them being pregnant, etc.

 

That supports nothing.  Any documents can be doctored to fit the situation.  Doctors can be paid off to make statements.  We don't even know what his wife's issues were or if she even had any issues.  Her being pregnant doesn't support anything either.  So if she wasn't pregnant does that mean he cheated?  For a doctor to tell him to take Clomid because his wife can't take it to speed up the process is ludacris. 

 

This entire story was well thought out and it was convenient that his wife was pregnant.  I actually applaud the commissioner for sticking to the rules that are in place.

 

Just look at how many athletes across all sports who have been busted for taking Clomid. 

[Narcosys]

That supports nothing. Any documents can be doctored to fit the situation. Doctors can be paid off to make statements. We don't even know what his wife's issues were or if she even had any issues. Her being pregnant doesn't support anything either. So if she wasn't pregnant does that mean he cheated? For a doctor to tell him to take Clomid because his wife can't take it to speed up the process is ludacris.

This entire story was well thought out and it was convenient that his wife was pregnant. I actually applaud the commissioner for sticking to the rules that are in place.

Just look at how many athletes across all sports who have been busted for taking Clomid.

there are a few medical issues that prevent women from taking it. Ones is PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome). Men use it to increase sperm count. So if a woman can't take it, the man can to help with fertility.

[ViriLudant]

Wow.

The NFL retaliates to Mathis' agent. This rarely happens. Sounds like the NFL doesn't buy Mathis' excuse.

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/05/17/nfl-responds-to-agents-statement-regarding-robert-mathis/

[BpG]

Lot's of men take it for fertility it's pretty common . If you want an edge why not just take HGH since they don't test for it .

 

Who says he wasn't?

[BpG]

Wow.

The NFL retaliates to Mathis' agent. This rarely happens. Sounds like the NFL doesn't buy Mathis' excuse.

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/05/17/nfl-responds-to-agents-statement-regarding-robert-mathis/

 

Duh, because it;s ludicrous!

[fvantagio]

C'mon guys, lets not be naive. He was obviously using PEDs. His statement is his excuse that he will use to try and get out of it. However I said it a thousand times before and ill say it again. Damn near everyone is using!!

 

This suspension is on us, its the fans fault for continuing to remain ignorant on this subject matter. So the players have to pretend they're clean and the league has to have its fall guys every year, complete with 1 maybe 2 big names. This year that was Mathis...Now the league can beat its chest and brag about how "anti-drugs" they are, while their docs/trainers probably sell the stuff to the athletes to begin with.

 

As long as the fans refuse to accept these points, this little game the league plays before each season will continue and a more logical conclusion will never be discussed.

[OLD FAN MAN]

it is only one fourth of the regular season

[ColtsBlueFL]

So Mathis used the drug for its actually propose and get and trouble for it........ Good job Goodell you know what help you can do for a drug test how about an hair analyse test you dumb***

 

Well, not really! It was never FDA approved for men, just women!  Since it is generic now, it is probable nobody will front the millions of dollars to get it approved for men by the FDA.  Can a physician subscribe it to a man?  Yes, but it's still on the non FDA approved list- thus not it's actual purpose, as you stated.  Yes, it has been found to be tolerated well and work in increasing testosterone in men.  Which is why it is a PED, and off limits for NFL players, no matter what reason.  It has been shown as mens testosterone rises, some do feel an increase in energy, sex drive, and muscle mass, especially if they work out. It can also increase fertility.  But no matter what, it is off label and banned by the NFL. Period.

 

Now, the NFL is likely going to readjust it's substance abuse policies, but somehow I don't think Clomid will be on the change list.

 

http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/10927282/renegotiation-nfl-drug-policy-reduce-marijuana-punishments

[BOTT]

Duh, because it;s ludicrous!

Not it's not. That response by the nfl is deceitful at best. They know Clomid is one of the most prescribed drugs for male infertility...it's just not approved by the FDA as such because it wasn't found out until the patent had expired.

Ask yourself this....why would Mathis use a drug like clomid when he could use various synthetic steroids that leave the body very quickly and are very difficult to detect? Hell, he could use HGH which the nfl doesn't even test for.

[Holden89]

Don't know who to believe here. Like some have said, the NFL generally remains quiet in this situation. Interesting that they're speaking out here. I'm obviously wanting to believe Mathis, but I don't know that I do.

Regardless, a banned substance is a banned substance. Mathis deserves this suspension just based on ignorance for not checking with anyone associated with the NFL.

[House]

Now I'm kinda glad Mathis didn't win Defensive MVP.

[Coltsman1788]

This would be his second failed test so you best believe it.

This is devastating for our defense because we were unable to really generate a pass rush outside of Mathis.

Not really surprised by this. To sit there and not think PED use is prevelant in the NFL is just naive. I am sure there are a few more guys on our team that use it outside Mathis. The NFL has just been really luck that baseball has carried the burden of PED use.

Not the end of the world. Colts will be fine for four games. Others will just have to step up. Mathis hopefully will be back when it matters most.

[lollygagger8]

Now I'm kinda glad Mathis didn't win Defensive MVP.

[lollygagger8]

Roger Goodell is such a JOKE!!! 

 

That jerk made $44 MILLION dollars last year.

 

He needs replaced. Today. 

[House]

Now I'm kinda glad Mathis didn't win Defensive MVP.

Conversely, you could just ask me to elaborate.

If his explanation is truthful or not. This story is way bigger, and much more damaging to Robert's reputation, if the headline is;

"NFL Defensive MVP caught using PEDs."

Even though it seems unlikely this incident in particular had anything to do with last seasons production. It would still make this situation 100% more newsworthy.

[IndyFan93]

Wow.

The NFL retaliates to Mathis' agent. This rarely happens. Sounds like the NFL doesn't buy Mathis' excuse.

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/05/17/nfl-responds-to-agents-statement-regarding-robert-mathis/

 

“The drug for which Mr. Mathis tested positive is not approved by the FDA for fertility in males and is a performance-enhancing drug that has been prohibited for years"

 

This comment makes it sound like Mathis was making up a story that couldn't be true. It's funny how they didn't mention that although it isn't FDA approved, it is still prescribed to men "off-label" as a fertility drug. They did a great job twisting his words to not only make him out as a cheater, but as a liar as well. The average person who reads that article isn't going to know enough about Clomid to know that it can still be prescribed to men even though it's not FDA approved, so they'll just assume Mathis was lying through his teeth about the whole story. This is ridiculous.

[Superman]

The NFL's response is spot on, from a technical standpoint. It also highlights the major flaw in the PED policy, and with how the media and fans respond to PEDs. Yeah, Clomid is a performance-enhancing drug. So is caffeine. They both interact with the chemicals in your body to achieve a result. You can sleep in a low pressure chamber to increase your red blood count, but if you infuse red blood cells, you're a cheater. I wish the entire discussion could be reset, so that the actual dangerous and irresponsible substances could be banned, without pretending that every so-called "performance enhancer" is a bad thing or a way to cheat.

[akcolt]

You seem to be acting like there is no gray area here.  Yes it was Mathis' responsibility to to check with the NFL or NFLPA, but there is a difference between taking a drug to mask PEDs and taking a drug to help have a baby.  I think he needs to be suspended, but to treat him the same way you would a player that was taking a drug to increase performance is going overboard.  No tolerance policies are for the intellectually lazy, each case should be looked at separately and judged on its own merits.  It is this type of decision by Goodell that have the players so upset with him.  All this does is create ill will on the players side and has a negative impact on the relationship between the NFL and NFLPA and for what, so the NFL doesn't actually have to think about their decisions they make with regard to Clomid?  Very short sighted.

I don't disagree with that but that is not what the rules say and there is no grey area there. IF you use a substance on the banned list you are suspended the players agreed to it. Mathis violated the rules whether you believe his story or not he violated.

 

We are playing without Mathis for the first 4 games. Rules that Mathis was well aware of. It is May I think time would be better spent finding a solution to the problem rather than complaining about something that is not going to change. .

[PrincetonTiger]

Everything Will Be Okay

[throwing BBZ]

Such a load... Performance enhancers are one thing, but a fertility drug? I'm more disappointed in the league. #RobertStrong

 

 Gee whizz, that would be a fertility drug that just happens to have recuperative value for a guy with self proclaimed feet that he can hardly walk on the day after the game. He didn`t think to follow the protocal that All Players are Repeatedly advised to follow regarding their Medicines/Vitamins etc?  Come on man.

[akcolt]

1) Mathis said he should have cleared it with the NFL, which would cover anything the trainer/docters would have said

 

2) See #1.

 

3) See Dustin's response at 9:40pm, response #253.

 

4) NFLPA confidentiality.  Player can say what he wants because it's his business.  If the NFLPA or NFL says anything about what Mathis tested postiive for, it's their behind.

 

Bottom line: the questions you are askign aren't indicative of anything Mathis is doing wrong.  Mathis made a mistake - and that mistake is not clearing it with the NFL.  Maybe he is lying about it.  But it takes an assumption on your part, a very large assumption.  Given the type of drug he was using and the reason for it, I will take his word for it absent any other evidence.  It won't clear him and it certainly won't absolve him of his suspension.  Mathis has been in the league for a decade without incident to my knowledge.  I hardly doubt at the twilight of his career he all the sudden risked his reputation.  I hate that he's being suspended, but unfortunately, that's the rules...for better or worse.  I wished he had done things differently.  But in the grand scheme of things, if it allows him and his wife to have a child, that's more important.  I'll take that suspension over something like what Josh Gordon did.  Sucks for us Colts fans, but I will give Mathis the benefit of the doubt.  If it turns out he was lying...different story.  But more facts are needed for that, and I'm not going to assume differently.

I am with you I want to believe he is innocent. There is  no reason to keep up all the crying and prying chances are we might find out something we don't want to know. Like you said Mathis gets the benefit of the doubt no prior problems that we know about. He is a good dude.

 

Let's move on and find a solution to the problem. A problem that really is not as big as everyone seems to feel it is. As far a his legacy he didn't seem to care so why should we? All he had to do was make a call.  I personally don't see it tarnishing anything. As it looks now he made one mistake in a HOF career lets leave it at that and move on. That is what I think.

 

We will get to see Werner more and might have to sign another edge rusher at cuts neither are horrible things we need more pass rush anyway now Grigs might have to take a real long look at an up grade or we could have someone in house really bring it. This could turn into a good a blessing.

 

He is gone the first four games not that big of a deal could be worse and we have 3 months to address it.

[mintor]

"Dear Robert,

 

Congratulations on your wife's pregnancy. I have already gotten you a gift. It's a shiny new 4-game suspension courtesy of sticking my fingers in my ears and archaic, zero-tolerance policies! I hope you enjoy it.

 

Sincerely,

 

Commissioner Goodell

 

P.S. If you have a boy, I'll go ahead and give you an additional 4-games off for his violating future safety rules by grabbing the QB's flag a little too close to his belt."

 

 

http://www.texasfertilitycenter.com/the-use-of-clomid-in-men/

 

Study on Clomid use in Men with Low Sperm Counts Sets the Standard for all US Fertility Clinics.

 

We saw statistically significant increases in FSH, LH, and testosterone levels.   More importantly, the average sperm concentration rose from 15.2 million/mL to 62.8 million/mL.  Sperm motility also significantly increased, but there was no significant increase in normal morphology.  We were most pleased by the fact that, although each of these infertile couples was planning on doing IVF due to significant male factor, 58.3% were actually able to conceive without IVF due to the tremendous increase in sperm quality we achieved with Clomid.

This study received significant notoriety when we presented these results at the annual meeting of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), and several other investigators have subsequently found the same results that we reported.  As a result of both our study and those that have followed, the use of Clomid in men with low sperm counts and low hormone levels has significantly increased to the point that Clomid is now a well-accepted treatment for many men with male factor infertility.

 

 

guess nfl police hate that .

[ColtsBlueFL]

The NFL's response is spot on, from a technical standpoint. It also highlights the major flaw in the PED policy, and with how the media and fans respond to PEDs. Yeah, Clomid is a performance-enhancing drug. So is caffeine. They both interact with the chemicals in your body to achieve a result. You can sleep in a low pressure chamber to increase your red blood count, but if you infuse red blood cells, you're a cheater. I wish the entire discussion could be reset, so that the actual dangerous and irresponsible substances could be banned, without pretending that every so-called "performance enhancer" is a bad thing or a way to cheat.

 

While I'm inclined to agree with the premise, I have to play devils advocate.  I think they don't want to allow substances that can be, and are, used by those that (may) have just completed a Steroid use cycle to replenish the testosterone to normal levels via kick-starting their testes; and (if an NFL player) didn't get caught.  Only ten guys per week on the team(s) roster get tested in season.  You have >80% chance of not getting tested. At all. Each week.  I still think there are some out there that do cheat.  They want to keep their jobs and that big paycheck. 

 

Next question, is testosterone replacement therapy allowed via the NFL?  If not, I doubt they would ever allow substances that cause increases in testosterone, otherwise just allow testosterone replacement therapy and move on.  MMA got rid of it, and here are some interesting articles-

 

http://explorernews.com/northwest_chatter/article_346fda76-a986-11e3-9631-0019bb2963f4.html?mode=jqm

 

http://espn.go.com/espn/otl/story/_/id/10500652/therapeutic-use-exemptions-testosterone-mma-outpace-other-sports-lines-finds

[akcolt]

do you mind highlighting these holes you speak of?

You read the story take from it what you want. I am done with the Mathis thing. It doesn't change how I feel about the guy and it won't change the fact that he is gone for 4 games. Read the whole thread it is all there I am not taking the time to break it down for you. It is done, he is gone first 4.

[akcolt]

If you want to believe Mathis, it's plausible to think he took the drug during the period before and after his wife was ovulating. Then he stopped and they knew she was pregnant prior to doing it again.

He deserves to be suspended but I understand why he took the risk to keep private matters private.

Dude if he would have called and asked if a substance was banned and they said yes that would not have made the papers. There are HIPPA laws that protect his privacy when it comes to health issues trying to keep private matters private is silly. Then he haves no problem laying it all out when he gets caught.

 

It think the best thing to do is let Mathis stand behind his statement because if you start looking closely it doesn't make a lot of sense. He will be back week 4 we will probably be 4-0 and ready to roll. The only game he misses we are not going to be the favorite in is Denver I think we win that game anyway.

[mintor]

Study on Clomid use in Men with Low Sperm Counts Sets the Standard for all US Fertility Clinics.
 
We saw statistically significant increases in FSH, LH, and testosterone levels.   More importantly, the average sperm concentration rose from 15.2 million/mL to 62.8 million/mL.  Sperm motility also significantly increased, but there was no significant increase in normal morphology.  We were most pleased by the fact that, although each of these infertile couples was planning on doing IVF due to significant male factor, 58.3% were actually able to conceive without IVF due to the tremendous increase in sperm quality we achieved with Clomid.
This study received significant notoriety when we presented these results at the annual meeting of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), and several other investigators have subsequently found the same results that we reported.  As a result of both our study and those that have followed, the use of Clomid in men with low sperm counts and low hormone levels has significantly increased to the point that Clomid is now a well-accepted treatment for many men with male factor infertility.

Edited May 17, 2014 by Superman
formatting

[Larry Horseman]

Dude if he would have called and asked if a substance was banned and they said yes that would not have made the papers. There are HIPPA laws that protect his privacy when it comes to health issues trying to keep private matters private is silly. Then he haves no problem laying it all out when he gets caught.

 

It think the best thing to do is let Mathis stand behind his statement because if you start looking closely it doesn't make a lot of sense. He will be back week 4 we will probably be 4-0 and ready to roll. The only game he misses we are not going to be the favorite in is Denver I think we win that game anyway.

 

I understand HIPPA very well. If RM's story is true, I'm not justifying his decision or saying it wasn't silly. All I'm saying is that maybe he didn't want anyone to know outside of his personal doctor--for a big bad dude, having a fertility issue might be embarrassing and maybe he didn't want to share (again, not justifying, just speculating on why he would make the decision he says he made). I don't know what kind of person RM is privately and what sort of views he has of himself because of the issue. I read somewhere that his wife had fertility treatment for their twins, so if that is also true, there is a history of something going on there. Now his wife is pregnant again. So, either he had the groundwork for a perfect lie or it's the truth. My guess if the story is true, the doctor told Mathis he will only be on it for a short period of time so he has a better chance of not getting caught than getting caught, and that it might not even increase his levels to the point where a test would detect a positive. This is all obviously speculation. To be honest, I don't really care. He's out for four games. That's what we know. The Colts will be fine or won't. Aside from QB, there really isn't another one player that swings wins or losses in either direction more than a game. Worst case, IMO, we'll be 2-2 after 4 but I still think we can split between Denver and Philly (which is pretty much what I thought before the suspension). The first four games of a year don't make or break a season, so at least the timing is fine in that regard. 

[Superman]

While I'm inclined to agree with the premise, I have to play devils advocate.  I think they don't want to allow substances that can be, and are, used by those that (may) have just completed a Steroid use cycle to replenish the testosterone to normal levels via kick-starting their testes; and (if an NFL player) didn't get caught.  Only ten guys per week on the team(s) roster get tested in season.  You have >80% chance of not getting tested. At all. Each week.  I still think there are some out there that do cheat.  They want to keep their jobs and that big paycheck. 

 

Next question, is testosterone replacement therapy allowed via the NFL?  If not, I doubt they would ever allow substances that cause increases in testosterone, otherwise just allow testosterone replacement therapy and move on.  MMA got rid of it, and here are some interesting articles-

 

http://explorernews.com/northwest_chatter/article_346fda76-a986-11e3-9631-0019bb2963f4.html?mode=jqm

 

http://espn.go.com/espn/otl/story/_/id/10500652/therapeutic-use-exemptions-testosterone-mma-outpace-other-sports-lines-finds

 

Good thoughts.

 

Let's suspend all disbelief for a moment, and assume that Mathis is telling the absolute truth. Is it cheating to take a substance that boosts your testosterone back to normal levels? I don't think so. Let's say he has a pituitary dysfunction, leading to a testosterone deficiency. What's wrong with him correcting his issue?

 

What the sports world does is assume that if a player is taking hCG or Clomid or another variant, that he's off-cycle. The cynicism is driving the debate far more than the facts.

 

And we're really just scratching the surface. The majority of banned substances are not 80s style anabolic steroids that people equate with cheating. Even the responses in the OTL article you linked to -- 'it's doping, it's cheating, it's both' -- show how little thought is given to the topic anymore. If you fail a test, you're automatically a doping cheater. Even if you're just fixing a deficiency so that you can operate on the same level as everyone else, you're a doping cheater.

 

There's no easy to fix to this. I understand why things are done they way they're done at this point. But they've essentially taken an outdated model and strapped new features on it. We're driving a 1985 Bonneville in 2014, and everyone thinks it's okay because we've replaced the interior and upgraded the sound system. Even slapped some shiny paint on it. But that doesn't change the fact that newer cars have technology that our beloved Bonneville could never compete with. 

 

It would just be nice if these sports leagues and medical professionals could have an honest conversation, sans all the moral outrage and whatnot. Then they could make decisions about what's dangerous and what's not, and leave everything else out of the conversation.

[Superman]

Study on Clomid use in Men with Low Sperm Counts Sets the Standard for all US Fertility Clinics.

 

We saw statistically significant increases in FSH, LH, and testosterone levels.   More importantly, the average sperm concentration rose from 15.2 million/mL to 62.8 million/mL.  Sperm motility also significantly increased, but there was no significant increase in normal morphology.  We were most pleased by the fact that, although each of these infertile couples was planning on doing IVF due to significant male factor, 58.3% were actually able to conceive without IVF due to the tremendous increase in sperm quality we achieved with Clomid.

This study received significant notoriety when we presented these results at the annual meeting of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), and several other investigators have subsequently found the same results that we reported.  As a result of both our study and those that have followed, the use of Clomid in men with low sperm counts and low hormone levels has significantly increased to the point that Clomid is now a well-accepted treatment for many men with male factor infertility.

 

Have a link?

[ColtsBlueFL]

Study on Clomid use in Men with Low Sperm Counts Sets the Standard for all US Fertility Clinics.

 

We saw statistically significant increases in FSH, LH, and testosterone levels.   More importantly, the average sperm concentration rose from 15.2 million/mL to 62.8 million/mL.  Sperm motility also significantly increased, but there was no significant increase in normal morphology.  We were most pleased by the fact that, although each of these infertile couples was planning on doing IVF due to significant male factor, 58.3% were actually able to conceive without IVF due to the tremendous increase in sperm quality we achieved with Clomid.

This study received significant notoriety when we presented these results at the annual meeting of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), and several other investigators have subsequently found the same results that we reported.  As a result of both our study and those that have followed, the use of Clomid in men with low sperm counts and low hormone levels has significantly increased to the point that Clomid is now a well-accepted treatment for many men with male factor infertility.

 

"Clomid male infertility treatments involve taking a pill once a day for about 3 to 6 months."

 

http://www.infertility-guide.com/clomid-male-infertility.html

 

Wonder what 10 days gets you...

[ColtsBlueFL]

Good thoughts.

 

Let's suspend all disbelief for a moment, and assume that Mathis is telling the absolute truth. Is it cheating to take a substance that boosts your testosterone back to normal levels? I don't think so. Let's say he has a pituitary dysfunction, leading to a testosterone deficiency. What's wrong with him correcting his issue?

 

What the sports world does is assume that if a player is taking hCG or Clomid or another variant, that he's off-cycle. The cynicism is driving the debate far more than the facts.

 

And we're really just scratching the surface. The majority of banned substances are not 80s style anabolic steroids that people equate with cheating. Even the responses in the OTL article you linked to -- 'it's doping, it's cheating, it's both' -- show how little thought is given to the topic anymore. If you fail a test, you're automatically a doping cheater. Even if you're just fixing a deficiency so that you can operate on the same level as everyone else, you're a doping cheater.

 

There's no easy to fix to this. I understand why things are done they way they're done at this point. But they've essentially taken an outdated model and strapped new features on it. We're driving a 1985 Bonneville in 2014, and everyone thinks it's okay because we've replaced the interior and upgraded the sound system. Even slapped some shiny paint on it. But that doesn't change the fact that newer cars have technology that our beloved Bonneville could never compete with. 

 

It would just be nice if these sports leagues and medical professionals could have an honest conversation, sans all the moral outrage and whatnot. Then they could make decisions about what's dangerous and what's not, and leave everything else out of the conversation.

Sound points, too.  Especially about restoring normal levels. However, there should be a list of substances

to apply for a waiver by a licensed physician specialist, with reasoning included and therapy plan.  Waiver will be granted to specified limits- time frame, amount dose, etc, and terminated appropriately- normal levels reached, waiver time frame limit exceeded, excessive weight gain by user, etc...

 

I hope this gets explored by the NFL-NFLPA soon, after the 'other' drug policy is finished with its revision.

[Superman]

Sound points, too.  Especially about restoring normal levels. However, there should be a list of substances

to apply for a waiver by a licensed physician specialist, with reasoning included and therapy plan.  Waiver will be granted to specified limits- time frame, amount dose, etc, and terminated appropriately- normal levels reached, waiver time frame limit exceeded, excessive weight gain by user, etc...

 

I hope this gets explored by the NFL-NFLPA soon, after the 'other' drug policy is finished with its revision.

 

Right. You apply for a waiver, you agree to submit to increased testing for a scientifically determined period of time, based on whatever treatment you're requesting a waiver for. (Boxing and the Olympics test regularly, based on the contest, not random periods of time.) You're also now a part of the drug program, so you'll be tested more frequently anyways.

 

I'm sure that's not a perfect plan, but the point is that adjustments can be made to the process if they are willing to do so. Then you can stop suspending people for performance enhancers that aren't enhancing performance, or for substances that the rest of us can use just to normalize our bodily functions.

[akcolt]

I understand HIPPA very well. If RM's story is true, I'm not justifying his decision or saying it wasn't silly. All I'm saying is that maybe he didn't want anyone to know outside of his personal doctor--for a big bad dude, having a fertility issue might be embarrassing and maybe he didn't want to share (again, not justifying, just speculating on why he would make the decision he says he made). I don't know what kind of person RM is privately and what sort of views he has of himself because of the issue. I read somewhere that his wife had fertility treatment for their twins, so if that is also true, there is a history of something going on there. Now his wife is pregnant again. So, either he had the groundwork for a perfect lie or it's the truth. My guess if the story is true, the doctor told Mathis he will only be on it for a short period of time so he has a better chance of not getting caught than getting caught, and that it might not even increase his levels to the point where a test would detect a positive. This is all obviously speculation. To be honest, I don't really care. He's out for four games. That's what we know. The Colts will be fine or won't. Aside from QB, there really isn't another one player that swings wins or losses in either direction more than a game. Worst case, IMO, we'll be 2-2 after 4 but I still think we can split between Denver and Philly (which is pretty much what I thought before the suspension). The first four games of a year don't make or break a season, so at least the timing is fine in that regard. 

You don't understand HIPPA if you did you would know there is no chance his personal business would get out without severe consequences. What kind of doctor tells you you probably won't get caught and discusses the way to get around the rules? That is just ridiculous. The argument he didn't want his sperm count being low is bit silly too. He had no problem tossing all that out there in his excuse.

 

He made his statement he is suspended four games. Silver lining 4 less games on his legs and and the possibility of uncovering a nasty guy to rush the passer.. 

[Jay Roland]

This is not good for the team but at the same time it does fall squarely on Mathis. Unfortunately his 19 sack is going to be question and his career is going to be question from here on out  because of this and he will be labeled a cheater. I still believe in him as this is the first time he has been caught or mentioned of being under suspicion of cheating. This changes the outlook for how the team is going to do as  Mathis plays an important role in our defensive game plan. Teams  for the first 4 games won't  have to worry as much as they won't have to take in account where he is on the field. the next man up is going to have to step up.

 

This is truly a bad situation but Mathis had to own up to the fact that he didn't follow protocol to get a waiver and has to take complete responsibility for his actions no matter what the circumstances are. I hope he comes back and plays at the same level he has always played at and that he handles the tough questions he is going to be be asked truthfully and humbly.

[Cynjin]

I don't disagree with that but that is not what the rules say and there is no grey area there. IF you use a substance on the banned list you are suspended the players agreed to it. Mathis violated the rules whether you believe his story or not he violated.

 

We are playing without Mathis for the first 4 games. Rules that Mathis was well aware of. It is May I think time would be better spent finding a solution to the problem rather than complaining about something that is not going to change. .

 

I believe that he violated the rule, no question about that.  However, I also believe there are grey areas in every rule, the is the letter of the rule and the spirit of the rule.  Did Mathis violate the letter of the rule?, absolutely.  Did he violate the spirit of the rule?  No he did not, at least not given the evidence.  He should have checked with the NFL, NFLPA or team doctor.  He didn't and deserves to be suspended, I just do not believe it should be for the same amount of time that someone that violated both the letter and the spirit of the rule.  I am also sure that the Colts can find a solution to the problem and complain to the NFL at the same time.

[Danfish98]

Sound points, too.  Especially about restoring normal levels. However, there should be a list of substances

to apply for a waiver by a licensed physician specialist, with reasoning included and therapy plan.  Waiver will be granted to specified limits- time frame, amount dose, etc, and terminated appropriately- normal levels reached, waiver time frame limit exceeded, excessive weight gain by user, etc...

 

I hope this gets explored by the NFL-NFLPA soon, after the 'other' drug policy is finished with its revision.

This is a discussion that goes far beyond just the NFL too.  If you're an Olympic athlete with asthma you can't use rescue inhalers to stop an attack is another great example.  I don't think it's right that medicine can't be used for its approved use when you're an athlete.  I can't imagine a sprinter gaining an unfair advantage from the steroids in inhalers just as I highly doubt Mathis had any increased performance on the field due to 10 days of taking Clovis.  Really hope this mess gets fixed in all sports soon but I'm not optimistic.

[Carlos Danger]

I'm sure that Mathis knew, but I don't blame him. This is his family. He took it for a week and a half for good reason.

This could be a blessing in disguise for a number of reasons that others have mentioned. Mathis will be fresher come playoff time and I highly doubt that any of the other teams in our division challenge us, what with no qbs and all. Young guys will gain experience in his absence.

I doubt that he will drop dirty a third time and incur a larger suspension in this lifetime. It's just kind of a buzzkill, for the Denver game, especially.