Is Mathis truthful?

[Burls' Kid's]

If Mathis made a mistake or not he is paying the price for it. It's not up to you to say who plays for the Colts. Irsay, Grigson and Pagano are the ones who makes those choices, not you. Maybe it's time for you to move on in supporting another team Mr. Perfect.

 

 

I don't want to become the next New England ***Patriot's***. I don't want our reputation and image tarnished with shadows of cheatery and scandal.

[Burls' Kid's]

I had hoped that Robert had beaten the odds (after turning 30 or so) and truly had such a monster year with hard work, hustle and pure determination. But sadly, he's a cheater and a liar. I'm hugely sadden by this.We all make mistakes (i'm a recovering alcoholic), but he's failed such a drug test twice and continued down this path trying to land his next big payday before retiring.

[NagelHausForge]

Rant engage in 3....2....1....

 

Maybe its just me but I personally do not care if professional athletes use PEDs, HGH, or whatever else is out there to make them bigger, faster and stronger.  Isn't that part of the appeal of watching professional sports, especially football?  Its not like we all want to sit around and watch a bunch of average guys play flag football.  We want to see the Monsters of the Gridiron doing battle with one another, right?   

 

There are more important issues to worry about than whether or not Mathis is taking a fertility drug or is on the juice.  I don't understand why so much importance is placed on this issue.  Is it a fairness thing?  "Its not fair because player X is on PEDs and player Y isn't so player X is better than player Y."  Well, if you want to make millions of dollars as a professional athlete then you need to do what you need to do to be the best.  If you're worried about the long term health issues then go do something else.  The world needs ditch diggers too.  Football is a violent game regardless of PED use or not. 

 

Maybe I sound cold and heartless here but I watch football because its basically the gladiator games of our times and I want to see the biggest nastiest pro-athletes going after one another.  I don't want people to get seriously injured or killed but I do enjoy the violence of the game.  Everyone in the stadium loves the big hits after all.

 

Rant disengage.

[Rhane19]

I don't want to become the next New England ***Patriot's***. I don't want our reputation and image tarnished with shadows of cheatery and scandal.

 

You think this Mathis suspension for PED tarnishes the Colts image more than the Irsay situation?

Comparing 1 person suspended for PEDs is far from Spygate, 2 completely different situations...

[Burls' Kid's]

You think this Mathis suspension for PED tarnishes the Colts image more than the Irsay situation?

Comparing 1 person suspended for PEDs is far from Spygate, 2 completely different situations...

 

 

The Irsay thing is equally disgusting.

[1yrdandacloudofdust]

His mother is dying. Stage-4 cancer. They're trying to give her another grand child before she dies. The wife is now pregnant, and fortunately Reggie's mother is still alive. So, this may still work out for them.

The woman raised a possible hof player and has already experienced grandkids, just seem a lil odd and hard to believe when u include everything else. Drug is commonly used by users, not approved for a man's fertility, and the doc doesnt seem to be a fertility specialist.

[1yrdandacloudofdust]

Doesn't he have 2 kids already?

He ain't hiding behind sweet excuses for this one.

And they're fairly young. Maybe 4yrs or younger. I just don't get the giving grandma a child before she dies. I hope its true, if its not Mathis is far ftom the guy I thought he was. I would respect him more if he just apologized. Nobody really cares about nfl players taking roids until they grt suspended for it.

[colts_100nascar17fan]

That's not true at all. The NFL mentioned the drug in their official statement. It was for fertility.

Its not for men, its for women fertility according to the nfl post I read,so technically im right.

[schwamm]

Its not for men, its for women fertility according to the nfl post I read,so technically im right.

Even if it isn't the originally intended use for the drug, it is also used for male fertility. So technically or otherwise, you are not right.

[deedub75]

The NFL usually doesn't make even make statements about a player's PED usage or suspension.  The NFL made a statement in this case though.  I think the NFL believes that Mathis' statement is so over-the-top that it had to make a statement. 

 

The NFL's statement also made light that Mathis had originally withdrawn his appeal and accepted the punishment but the NFLPA requested that the appeal be reinstated. 

[SteelCityColt]

I had hoped that Robert had beaten the odds (after turning 30 or so) and truly had such a monster year with hard work, hustle and pure determination. But sadly, he's a cheater and a liar. I'm hugely sadden by this.We all make mistakes (i'm a recovering alcoholic), but he's failed such a drug test twice and continued down this path trying to land his next big payday before retiring.

Who said he failed two tests?

[schwamm]

Doesn't he have 2 kids already?

He ain't hiding behind sweet excuses for this one.

I guess I don't understand your point here. Are you suggesting that someone with two kids can't have fertility issues? Not true. Are you implying someone with two kids isn't entitled to want more? What is this, communist China?

I have no clue whether Mathis is being truthful or not, but it seems to me the size of his family to date is irrelevant to the discussion.

[Dustin]

Its not for men, its for women fertility according to the nfl post I read,so technically im right.

No, it's just not FDA approved for men. Doctors still prescribe it for men.

[matt986]

I didn't have time to read the whole thread, so apologies if this has already been posted.

 

I'll withhold judgement until we see how he plays when he gets back off his suspension.  Presumably he'll be monitored pretty closely after this, so if we see a big drop off in his play that would point towards more than just using the drug for a short time to help in fertility,  If, however, he's still the beast that he was last season, it would indicate that he wasn't using it as a PED.

[crazycolt1]

I had hoped that Robert had beaten the odds (after turning 30 or so) and truly had such a monster year with hard work, hustle and pure determination. But sadly, he's a cheater and a liar. I'm hugely sadden by this.We all make mistakes (i'm a recovering alcoholic), but he's failed such a drug test twice and continued down this path trying to land his next big payday before retiring.

Wrong! A 4 games suspension is called for the 1st offense. Earlier I thought the same thing but was wrong. If you think the Colts are above and better than any other team in the NFL you are sadly mistaken. I think every team in the NFL has had this problem at one time or another. Just because your a Colts fan you can leave the rose colored glasses at home. I believe in staying behind our players when they do wrong but don't believe for 1 second that our team is any better than any other. You say your a recovering alcoholic? If that's true you yourself lied at one time to the people you know. What does that make you? You didn't deserve to be forgiven? Quit preaching and stand behind Mathis or find someone else to wear your I can't do no wrong pants.

[Burls' Kid's]

Who said he failed two tests?

 

 

The NFL doesn't reply unless a test fails twice. So, he knew of such failures, but still continued on such a path.

[throwing BBZ]

 Or from another discussion board,  "Clomid is widely taken in the bodybuilding world as a post cycle therapy drug that restores your testosterone levels and binds estrogen to prevent gynecomastia (also known as man boobs)."

 

 Does he lose 4 game checks? How much $$$?

[Burls' Kid's]

Wrong! A 4 games suspension is called for the 1st offense. Earlier I thought the same thing but was wrong. If you think the Colts are above and better than any other team in the NFL you are sadly mistaken. I think every team in the NFL has had this problem at one time or another. Just because your a Colts fan you can leave the rose colored glasses at home. I believe in staying behind our players when they do wrong but don't believe for 1 second that our team is any better than any other. You say your a recovering alcoholic? If that's true you yourself lied at one time to the people you know. What does that make you? You didn't deserve to be forgiven? Quit preaching and stand behind Mathis or find someone else to wear your I can't do no wrong pants.

 

 

No other way to paint it. He's a liar and cheater. PERIOD.

[SteelCityColt]

The NFL doesn't reply unless a test fails twice. So, he knew of such failures, but still continued on such a path.

Source? I've seen nothing to suggest be failed two tests.

My understanding was the NFL felt moved to address the issue because of the statement Matthis put out.

[Burls' Kid's]

Source? I've seen nothing to suggest be failed two tests.

 

 

 

It's common perception. It usually takes a 2nd failure to warrent such harsh circumstances. The NFL knew of him for a long time.

[ruksak]

I guess I don't understand your point here. Are you suggesting that someone with two kids can't have fertility issues? Not true. Are you implying someone with two kids isn't entitled to want more? What is this, communist China?

I have no clue whether Mathis is being truthful or not, but it seems to me the size of his family to date is irrelevant to the discussion.

That's not what I meant, sorry if it came off that way. 

 

Was addressing a post that suggested him and his wife were somehow so desperate to be with child, that Robert was willing to have his career put in jeopardy. T'was all I meant. 

[SteelCityColt]

It's common perception. It usually takes a 2nd failure to warrent such harsh circumstances. The NFL knew of him for a long time.

Not at all, PEDs is a suspension for the first failed test unlike substance abuse policy. So he would have been suspended on the first failure. If this was his second it would be 8 games.

Common perception does not equal a source. I think you need to substantiate your last sentence too.

[ruksak]

Source? I've seen nothing to suggest be failed two tests.

My understanding was the NFL felt moved to address the issue because of the statement Matthis put out.

It is my opinion that the NFL took the unusual step of speaking on this issue because they've become aware that the excuse Robert provided had become standard fair for players that popped on a test. I believe the statement by the NFL was a proactive manner of confronting this plausible denial approach by "dirty" players. 

 

Oh....and before we judge Robert too harshly, let's bear in mind the tremendous pressure these men face. He is now a premiere player in this league, and at his advancing age, the pressure to compete with men 10 years+ younger than he, I can understand taking some alternative measure. I understand it, I didn't say it was right. 

[Burls' Kid's]

Not at all, PEDs is a suspension for the first failed test unlike substance abuse policy. So he would have been suspended on the first failure. If this was his second it would be 8 games.

Common perception does not equal a source. I think you need to substantiate your last sentence too.

 

 

He let us all down and i' am an actual Indianapolis fan. I know it's tough to accept this, but he lied and cheated us all, especially us HOOSIER'S, the people whom paid to represent him.

[SteelCityColt]

It is my opinion that the NFL took the unusual step of speaking on this issue because they've become aware that the excuse Robert provided had become standard fair for players that popped on a test. I believe the statement by the NFL was a proactive manner of confronting this plausible denial approach by "dirty" players.

Oh....and before we judge Robert too harshly, let's bear in mind the tremendous pressure these men face. He is now a premiere player in this league, and at his advancing age, the pressure to compete with young men 10 years+ younger, I can understand taking some alternative measure. I understand it, I didn't say it was right.

This I can see... Stepping outside of the did he do it or not for a minute. As soon as Robert put that statement out the league has to respond it else face trial by public perception and risk looking like a big old mean spirited corporation picking on the guy just trying to have a kid.

The thing is even if it's a 100% genuine story the league'a hands are tied. To allow Matthis a reprieve sets a dangerous precedent. It's really a non story that will blow over. I can't recall such head rolling demands when Saunders got caught and that WAS his 2nd time.

[SteelCityColt]

He let us all down and i' am an actual Indianapolis fan. I know it's tough to accept this, but he lied and cheated us all, especially us HOOSIER'S, the people whom paid to represent him.

This response has nothing to do with what we were discussing. You said he has failed two tests and the NFL knew for a long time he was juicing but can't substantiate either of these things so fall back onto your moral pedestal.

Seriously get over yourself.

[Burls' Kid's]

This response has nothing to do with what we were discussing. You said he has failed two tests and the NFL knew for a long time he was juicing but can't substantiate either of these things so fall back onto your moral pedestal.

Seriously get over yourself.

 

 

I want him fired and replaced by a real football player. Not a cheater.

[SteelCityColt]

I want him fired and replaced by a real football player. Not a cheater.

For a man who seems a little light on the facts of the matter you're very quick to issue judgement. I think you'd find you're in the minority with this view I'm afraid and the FO certainly isn't talking about cutting him so I guess you'll just have to suck it up and move on.

Note at no point have I said I believe Matthis is above reproach for this, I just think it's an overreaction on your part.

[BOTT]

It's common perception. It usually takes a 2nd failure to warrent such harsh circumstances. The NFL knew of him for a long time.

Not sure what common perception is, but one only needs to flunk one test for PEDS to get suspended in the nfl.

[schwamm]

That's not what I meant, sorry if it came off that way.

Was addressing a post that suggested him and his wife were somehow so desperate to be with child, that Robert was willing to have his career put in jeopardy. T'was all I meant.

I sincerely appreciate your attempt to clarify your point, but it still confuses me. So someone who already has a family is not entitled to be desperate to have more or to choose to risk his employment for it?

[amfootball]

I don't want to become the next New England ***Patriot's***. I don't want our reputation and image tarnished with shadows of cheatery and scandal.

Too late ....

[crazycolt1]

It's common perception. It usually takes a 2nd failure to warrent such harsh circumstances. The NFL knew of him for a long time.

You are dead wrong. If you would care to look up the rules you will find that a 4 game suspension comes on the 1st offense. 2nd offense carries a 6-8 game suspension. A 3rd offense carries a 1 year suspension. I once thought it was the 2nd offense but I was wrong. So what it boils down to is you can hate Mathis all you care to but he will be back week 5 and ready to go. I highly doubt that too many is going to lose any sleep over your feeling about Mathis.

[SteelCityColt]

Too late ....

The risks of a holier than thou attitude...

[amfootball]

The risks of a holier than thou attitude...

Yeah. No org is perfect. Everyone single one has blemishes. It is what it is. As a fan you move on and try to focus on the positive things. At least Mathis admitted he was wrong just like the Pats did re: spyatge. Not sure you can ask for more than that. True moral character is never determined by one's faults but one's willingness to admit fault and remedy the situation if possible. 

[ruksak]

I sincerely appreciate your attempt to clarify your point, but it still confuses me. So someone who already has a family is not entitled to be desperate to have more or to choose to risk his employment for it?

 Millions of dollars at stake, inheritance, opportunity and reputation on the line for what? A chance to get a few more sacks and add 7 or 8 pounds of muscle?  

 

Did his wife get pregnant? Nope. 

 

Real dumb if you ask me. Perhaps he should worry about the kids he does have? He can knock his old lady up in a few years when he retires. I don't believe his stupid story to begin with. 

[schwamm]

Millions of dollars at stake, inheritance, opportunity and reputation on the line for what? A chance to get a few more sacks and add 7 or 8 pounds of muscle?

Did his wife get pregnant? Nope.

Real dumb if you ask me. Perhaps he should worry about the kids he does have? He can knock his old lady up in a few years when he retires. I don't believe his stupid story to begin with.

You don't believe him, and that is fine. I have no idea whether I believe him or not, myself.

But my wife and I gave up a ton (including me losing a job because I took too much time off to travel to see doctors) to have our son. We would give up just as much, or more, to have another, but the first one nearly cost us my wife's life, and that is a cost too great. We have to be satisfied with one, unless we choose to adopt.

Just because you don't understand why he would risk something so significant does not, by itself, prove that he is lying.

I really hope he is telling the truth, because otherwise it is an ENORMOUS affront to anyone who has gone through significant fertility issues. At least it would be to me.

[ruksak]

You don't believe him, and that is fine. I have no idea whether I believe him or not, myself.

But my wife and I gave up a ton (including me losing a job because I took too much time off to travel to see doctors) to have our son. We would give up just as much, or more, to have another, but the first one nearly cost us my wife's life, and that is a cost too great. We have to be satisfied with one, unless we choose to adopt.

Just because you don't understand why he would risk something so significant does not, by itself, prove that he is lying.

I really hope he is telling the truth, because otherwise it is an ENORMOUS affront to anyone who has gone through significant fertility issues. At least it would be to me.

You're doing the same thing Mathis tried to do. Convoluting the issue with a plea toward emotion. What makes this pathetic is that I doubt this has anything to do with pregnancy. 

 

PS: I'm sorry to hear about your struggles, honestly. 

[schwamm]

You're doing the same thing Mathis tried to do. Convoluting the issue with a plea toward emotion. What makes this pathetic is that I doubt this has anything to do with pregnancy.

PS: I'm sorry to hear about your struggles, honestly.

If that is what I'm doing, it isn't my intention, even if it is an emotional issue.

I'm just pointing out that your lack of sympathy for a family with 2 kids being willing to sacrifice more than you could comprehend to have another... does not, per se, mean that he is lying.

Just as all my experiences do not mean he is definitely telling the truth.

What he has described is plausible. So is what he has been accused of doing.

[ViriLudant]

Really? I can only imagine the word you used that got censored. The bottom line is as an athlete you have to know what is going in your body... but bedroom performance enhancing drugs taken at the end of the season is far from somethiing worthy of such condemnation.

Except that it's a masking agent.

Hmm... What could he possibly want masked?

[ruksak]

What he has described is plausible. So is what he has been accused of doing.

Do you remember in my earlier post when I sighted this as "plausible denial"? 

 

The substance is known for being used to mask steroid use. I'm assuming this plausible denial has been used many times before, and the NFL typically never speaks on these matters. It was somewhat unprecedented for them to say what thy did, even pointing out that the substance isn't approved for male fertility.

 

Here it says it all. 

 

From link;

"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. "