In case you missed it yesterday, New Orleans Saints running back and former Heisman Trophy winner at Alabama, Mark Ingram, was suspended by the NFL. The reason? PEDs – so because of that, for four games to start next season, Ingram will be sitting on the bench. It’s a shame, too. After years of middling production, Ingram seems to have turned the corner on his career. Posting 1,124 rushing yards, 416 receiving yards, and 12 touchdowns made for a banner year for Ingram. Paired with Alvin Kamara, this could easily be the best backfield in football.
Well, he, his agent, and his legal counsel are coming out SWINGING against the NFL about this:
A statement from suspended #Saints RB Mark Ingram, who is “vigorously” challenging the positive test result through the arbitration process. pic.twitter.com/GuoFzNLVAT
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) May 9, 2018
Can’t help but be at least a little disappointed when you hear stuff like this. Like many other cases, I was expecting the half-assed equivalent of “the dog ate my homework.” You know, all of the tired excuses we’ve heard before like, “I didn’t know” or “it was in an otherwise approved supplement.” Stuff like that. But, holy shit. This isn’t a response that would indicate that they’re going to take this lying down at all. This isn’t a dog sitting with his tail tucked between his legs.
They aren’t trying to hide the fact that he did take whatever the substance is. But, they’re saying it wasn’t even against the rules to do so. For their sake, I hope they’re right, but would anyone be surprised to see the NFL get something like this wrong?
I don’t know – time will tell. I will say that a four-game suspension probably bodes well for former Titan DeMarco Murray. The guy’s the best running back available right now, and as long as he has something left in the tank, could be of real value to the Saints for those four games. Would love to see Murray get a shot there – he’s one of those guys you can’t help but root for.
Regardless, this sure is going to be an interesting case to watch.
Stoney Keeley is the Editor in Chief of The SoBros Network. He is a strong supporter of Team GSD and #BeBetter. “Big Natural” covers the Tennessee Titans, Alabama Crimson Tide football, the WWE, and a whole wealth of nonsense. Follow on Twitter @StoneyKeeley
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