Bucs Torrie Cox Suspended For First Four Games
Published: Jul 4, 2007
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TAMPA - Buccaneers special teams standout Torrie Cox was suspended without pay Tuesday for the first four regular-season games for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy.
Cox can participate in preseason practices and games before his suspension begins Aug. 31. He is eligible to rejoin the Bucs' active roster Oct. 1 following the team's road game against the Carolina Panthers on Sept. 30.
"We are looking into all legal avenues right now in regards to Torrie," Cox's agent, Peter Schaffer, said. "Without breaching confidentially, the factual predicate for the punishment by the league does not fit what he did. We are exploring all legal options."
Schaffer did not rule out the possibility of appealing Cox's suspension, but according to the NFL's 2006 policy and program for substances of abuse manual, they have five days to send the commissioner a written appeal.
The manual states players can enter the program due to "positive urinalysis for drugs of abuse, medical director determination based on behavioral assessment, or self-referral." While in the program, players can receive up to 10 urine tests per month for two years. According to the policy, a player's first positive test results in a four-game check fine. A second positive test results in a four-game suspension.
Schaffer said Cox's suspension was not drug or steroid related, but would not elaborate. He added Cox was worried about tarnishing his public image, plus disappointing his family and teammates.
"I'm surprised," Bucs linebacker Ryan Nece said. "To me, Torrie was really growing up within the last year, taking care of his responsibilities."
The suspension is another off-the-field setback for Cox, a 2003 sixth-round pick from the University of Pittsburgh.
Cox, 26, has been charged twice for suspicion of driving under the influence (December 2004 and September 2005) and reckless driving (September 2005).
Last season, Cox played in all 16 games and started three times as a cornerback. He tied Earnest Graham for the team lead in special teams tackles (20), averaged 21.5 yards on 18 kickoff returns, and played behind cornerbacks Ronde Barber and Brian Kelly.
"We are hopeful that Torrie Cox can overcome this personal setback," Bucs general manager Bruce Allen said in news release.
Raiders RB Rhodes Suspended For 4 games
ALAMEDA, Calif. - Oakland Raiders running back Dominic Rhodes was suspended for the first four games of the season for violating the league's substance abuse policy.
The league does not disclose reasons for substance abuse suspensions, but Rhodes pleaded guilty in the offseason to reckless driving charges in Indiana after prosecutors agreed to drop drunken driving charges against him.
Rhodes, who spent his six years in Indianapolis, signed a two-year contract in the offseason with the Raiders that could be worth up to $7.5 million. He is expected to split time with last year's starter, LaMont Jordan.
BEARS: Signed first-round draft pick Greg Olsen to a five-year contract, making the tight end from Miami the first player taken in the first two rounds to agree on a deal.
Tribune reporter Ira Kaufman contributed to this report. Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.
