Travis Henry Facing A One-Year Suspension

[murf74 461]

I just see this whole situation as being nothing but a huge embarassment to both Henry and the Denver Broncos organization. Don't need to say why to Henry, however the Broncos are part of the NFL which is a corporation that runs the 32 individual entities or NFL teams. So if your corporate office has said it's going to suspend one of your employees for failing a drug test, I would think the Broncos, as being the employer of said employee would respect the request of the Corporate Office or in this case the NFL, and suspend said employee. Even if it was with pay, until the matter is resolved. My thoughts, shame on the Denver Broncos for letting this incident play out the way it has.

 

With that said, what is wrong with an occassional inhale...

 

You forgot to add...

 

signed,

Young owner

[murf74 461]

No. The only thing that matters is if it is in his system, and if it is over the limit. Here is the language on the policy:

 

Concentration Levels: Tests will be deemed positive if they are

confirmed by laboratory analysis at the following urine

concentration levels: benzoylecognine (cocaine) – 150 ng/ml; delta

9-THC-carboxylic acid (e.g., marijuana and marijuana byproducts,

including but not limited to hemp oil) – 15 ng/ml;

 

But wouldn't the NFL have to take into consideration if he does pass a hair test which is known to be more accurate (so I hear)

[jgcrawfish 232]

But wouldn't the NFL have to take into consideration if he does pass a hair test which is known to be more accurate (so I hear)

 

No, because the CBA stipulates the method of testing, and that agreement was ratified by the players union which represents him. This is about $$$.

[Guest _my_2_cents_]

While this might deserve its own topic, I think the pinned one is the best place for this update:

 

From my league page/Sportsline.com

Henry likely to play through October

Travis Henry, RB DEN

 

News: The NFL has sent Broncos RB Travis Henry his official notice that he violated the league's drug policy, according to the Rocky Mountain News. Henry has five days to appeal the decision, which he likely will do. He reportedly tested positive for marijuana but has challenged the ruling in court, saying the NFL didn't follow its own testing procedures. He also contends that he tested for too low an amount of the substance to have actually used it himself rather than inhaling it secondhand. The federal judge has given Henry's lawyers three weeks to prepare their case, and the NFL will likely hear Henry's appeal at about the same time. As such, Henry should continue to play until at least early November.

 

Analysis: If Henry wins the lawsuit, he will continue to play regardless of the league's decision, but, in that case, the league would likely file an appeal of its own. Basically, Henry has a mess on his hands, and so do his Fantasy owners. He's doing everything he can for them, but if the federal court doesn't rule in his favor, he will have to serve a one-year suspension that'll likely begin sometime in November. Henry's owners should already have Selvin Young, his backup, by now and continue to hold onto him until that seemingly fateful day when they lose Henry for the season. The Broncos have a bye in Week 6 before hosting the Steelers in Week 7.

[G-in O-town 0]

Could Henry milk this all the way into December with the appeals?

[VaTerp 0]

No, because the CBA stipulates the method of testing, and that agreement was ratified by the players union which represents him. This is about $$$.

 

I think that this is the correct way to look at it.

 

Could Henry milk this all the way into December with the appeals?

 

Im doubtful that he makes it that long BUT there is a remote possibility. I just got a pretty unbelievable offer involving for Henry that I think I should take. I just dont like the RB Im getting in return. But at least the guy isnt looking at a suspension.

 

Decisions, Decisions.

[jgcrawfish 232]

VaTerp, what's the offer?

[VaTerp 0]

VaTerp, what's the offer?

 

Well, I went ahead and accepted the trade. I gave Henry and Boldin and got Maroney and Burress.

 

I really dont like Maroney as a FF RB this year but I HAD to take this deal. I wasnt gonna get anything better for a guy who prolly has 4 more games in him at most.

[jgcrawfish 232]

Well, I went ahead and accepted the trade. I gave Henry and Boldin and got Maroney and Burress.

 

I really dont like Maroney as a FF RB this year but I HAD to take this deal. I wasnt gonna get anything better for a guy who prolly has 4 more games in him at most.

 

I like that trade. In my mind Burress > Boldin and Maroney > Henry (especially if he's suspended and the fact he has brutal schedule for the next couple of weeks). I take it's from the owner of Selvin?

[ccb123 0]

It sucks that the NFL is ruining these guys careers over something as trivial as marijuana. I can see why a running back would enjoy a toke after getting beat up all of the time. I mean how many players end up addicted to pain killers for the same reason. I know Marijuana is illegal, but it is widely accepted and practicaly legal in many states. I think a 100K fine would be a more reasonable punishment. But to be out 6 mil. because you like a drug that is not a performance inhancer and can be used as a pain killer is crazy. That being said, I am a Selvin Young owner and might benefit from this B.S.

 

Weed is not a hard drug so please do not compare it to cocaine or other hard drugs in your response. Alcohol is probably worse and responsible for many more deaths. I really do not know the statistics, but I have never heard of someone on marijuana having a fatal car accident(I know it has happened, but it is not an enormous problem like drinking and driving).

[FlaHawker 24]

It sucks that the NFL is ruining these guys careers over something as trivial as marijuana.

Drug use is trivial? Interesting...

[Swim54 4]

Here is the reality. All jobs come with some set or rules you must follow by in order to be employed with that company. This is one of the rules that players must live by. He choose on more than one occasion not to follow it and now there is a price to play. These guys make more than most to follow the rules. If they can't live with that they deserve to pay the punishment.

[Sneaker 0]

Here is the reality. All jobs come with some set or rules you must follow by in order to be employed with that company. This is one of the rules that players must live by. He choose on more than one occasion not to follow it and now there is a price to play. These guys make more than most to follow the rules. If they can't live with that they deserve to pay the punishment.

 

I'm not defending laws against marijuana here, but no matter how dumb anyone thinks it is to outlaw marijuana, it's even dumber to lose millions by breaking those laws. If somebody paid me millions but with the ridiculous restriction that I not ever wear a green shirt during the term of my contract, you'd better believe I wouldn't be getting near any clothing that was even remotely close to that color.

[Xeris 0]

Any news on this front? Selvin just hit my waiver wire.

[fanfootballtn 33]

Any news on this front? Selvin just hit my waiver wire.

 

Yeah, you have an impatient dumb azz in your league.

[Super Cubs 132]

I have not gone through all the post but I have heard that Henry's argument is that it was second hand smoke. Now he should have been smart enough not to put him self in that situation. But if he did not smoke it he done nothing wrong.

[FrankRizzo 0]

Yeah, you have an impatient dumb azz in your league.

 

Yeah, I'm a Selvin owner and holding on tight, but barely. I have freaking Maroney, SJax, BLeonard, SMorris, KFaulk, SYoung. I can't add anymore (6 RB max). Maybe the dumb azz in that league was forced to drop him due to injuries and bye weeks ... I know I'm close.

[Patriotsfatboy1 1,432]

I have not gone through all the post but I have heard that Henry's argument is that it was second hand smoke. Now he should have been smart enough not to put him self in that situation. But if he did not smoke it he done nothing wrong.

 

I would imagine that he would have a better chance by saying that he did not inhale. At least there is president [sic] on that one working

[edjr 5,564]

*insert Jason Whitlock column here*

[sb2232 0]

Hope for fellow Henry owners!

 

http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_7272758

 

Lawyers for Henry say NFL in wrong

By Bill Williamson

The Denver Post

Article Last Updated: 10/25/2007 12:57:25 AM MDT

 

 

If Travis Henry's defense team has its way on a motion filed Wednesday, the NFL could suffer a rare court setback and might face possible legal sanctions.

 

An attorney representing the Broncos running back filed a motion in U.S. District Court stating the NFL violated a temporary restraining order. The order was to prevent the league from testing a second Henry urine sample after the first one came back positive for a "negligible amount" of marijuana.

 

Attorney Steve Zissou's motion asks that the case be returned to the Supreme Court of the State of New York from the federal court so the judge whose order Zissou says was violated can determine sanctions against the league.

 

"We are confident we will prevail," said Zissou when reached for comment after the motion was electronically filed in the Eastern District of New York on Wednesday.

 

Henry, 28, has rushed 549 yards on 119 carries for Denver. This is his first season with the Broncos. He signed a five-year deal in April with $12 million in bonuses after being released by the Tennessee Titans.

 

Because Henry was in phase two of the league's substance abuse program, a positive test would trigger at least a year's suspension.

 

Henry's case revolves around him seeking to have his specialist present when a "B" sample of urine was tested in order to confirm the "A" test result.

 

According to Wednesday's filing, Henry provided a sample Aug. 27, then was notified "on or about Sept. 4" that he had tested positive. Henry sought the restraining order to ensure his specialist was present for the second test, but according to the filing, that did not happen.

 

Zissou's motion states the case never belonged in the federal court and the violation of the temporary restraining order is further reason to have it sent back to the state court. The NFL requested the case be moved to federal court, contending it involves national labor laws because of an agreement between the league and the players union regarding the substance abuse program.

 

Until these legal issues are resolved, which could take three weeks or more, it appears Henry will continue to play for the Broncos, who are counting on him to lead their rushing attack.

 

Henry has said he will not talk about the case under the advice of his attorneys and the NFL. Last week, he said, "I know nothing about what's going on."

 

Bill Williamson: 303-954-1262 or bwilliamson@denverpost.com

 

Anyone who speaks legalese at all care to speculate on the validity of this???

[The Next Generation 10]

Hope for fellow Henry owners!

 

http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_7272758

Anyone who speaks legalese at all care to speculate on the validity of this???

 

I'm not a lawyer or anything (my wife is, though) but, it seems to me that the IF as the NFL contends, the case is a federal one, then the state court ruling has no bearing and should never have been issued. This seems to have merit since the case WAS moved to a federal court. "Attorney Steve Zissou's motion asks that the case be returned to the Supreme Court of the State of New York from the federal court so the judge whose order Zissou says was violated can determine sanctions against the league."

 

This seems to me to be the likely winning scenario as the NFL is not a local entity and the state laws of NY really don't apply here. The State Court judge should have recognized that he didn't have the authority and should never had issued his ruling in the first place.

 

"Zissou's motion states the case never belonged in the federal court and the violation of the temporary restraining order is further reason to have it sent back to the state court. The NFL requested the case be moved to federal court, contending it involves national labor laws because of an agreement between the league and the players union regarding the substance abuse program."

 

That seems to me to be grasping at straws and a legal maneuvering tactic and nothing more. His whole premise is that the state court ruled so it should be in the state court. Well, if the state court ruled improperly (which happens quite often), than his whole argument is moot. The NFL, conversely, has a solid foundation for why this is a federal, not state case.

 

Again, jusy my opinion.

[Pariah 0]

The lawyer's name is seriously Steve Zissou?

 

Holy crap, that's awesome.

 

"Where's my dynamite?"

[Low Score 0]

I haven't read through all the thread because it's just too long but as a Selvin owner, I popped out here to see what info was posted. First, the case will go to and stay in Federal court. Many organizations have Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBA) and they always are ruled upon in Federal court becasue they span state lines - the motion to move it back to the state court will be dismissed with summary judgment. Granted, Zissou has every right to file a motion but it's really just a stall tactic.

 

Personally, this smells of guilt based upon the lawyer tactics - motion to move back to state court, volunteer to provide hair samples and lie detector test, etc. Those could also point to him being innocent but this just feels wrong.

[cortezthekiller303 0]

The lawyer's name is seriously Steve Zissou?

 

Holy crap, that's awesome.

 

"Where's my dynamite?"

 

Hahahahahaha that is the best part about this whole thing so far.

 

"Interns, look sharp on this one. If we get caught it won't look good on your permanent records."

[FreddieMercury 0]

From Rotoworld today:

Coach Mike Shanahan said Tuesday that Travis Henry (ribs) will try to practice this week after sitting out Week 8.

 

According to the Denver Post, "Henry is expected to learn about his pending NFL drug suspension after the next two games." His appeal is reportedly tentatively set for November 5. Selvin Young becomes an every-week fantasy option the moment Henry is suspended, so his owners should be patient.

Source: Denver Post

 

So it sounds like, unless his appeal is successful, he will be suspended after the Week 9 game. And he is questionable to play that game.

 

Free Selvin Young!

[newjackwhitsy 0]

From Rotoworld today:

So it sounds like, unless his appeal is successful, he will be suspended after the Week 9 game. And he is questionable to play that game.

 

Free Selvin Young!

 

Shanahan sold his soul a long time ago, he should have benched "Fun Baby" Henry when he heard about the drug infraction.

Maybe now that's he's seen Sweet Selvin in action during the regular season, he'll find some moral fiber and suspend Henry before the league does.

 

Freakin' Rat, everything he does is annoying. I wish he'd chew off his own lip.

[mr.shitty 0]

yeah, he should really try to save face and just shut henry down now

[sb2232 0]

Hearing pushed back again, and again the potential arises that he may be able to delay suspension until after the season:

 

http://www.denverpost.com/ci_7345200?source=rss

 

Henry case could be delayed again

The Broncos' lead running back is scheduled for a Nov. 16 hearing on his appeal for an NFL suspension.

By Bill Williamson

The Denver Post

Article Last Updated: 11/01/2007 11:23:03 PM MDT

 

 

Travis Henry can continue to play as he appeals his pending suspension by the NFL. (Getty | Doug Pensinger)A decision on Travis Henry's future continues to be pushed back.

 

An NFL spokesman confirmed Henry's league appeal is set to be heard Nov. 16 in New York, but like the previous assigned date, it could be moved back again. His appeal for a possible suspension for a positive drug test previously had been set for Monday. The current appeal date is scheduled three days before Denver hosts Tennessee, the team Henry played for before signing with Denver as a free agent. Henry's future with the Broncos might not be decided until weeks after the NFL hearing date.

 

Henry, 28, has rushed for 549 yards on 119 carries this season, his first with the Broncos. He signed a five-year deal in April with $12 million in bonuses.

 

Henry tested positive for marijuana in August and was informed of a pending one-year suspension from the league in early September. Henry then sued the NFL in New York state courts, and motions continue to be filed in the case. The court case likely won't be settled until late this month at the earliest.

 

If Henry loses his league appeal and the NFL suspends him, his court case will continue. Henry likely would need to pursue a restraining order if he hopes to continue playing this season. If he wins his court case, his suspension might be lifted at that point.

 

Last week, an attorney representing Henry filed a motion in U.S. District Court stating the NFL violated a temporary restraining order to prevent the league from testing a second urine sample after the first one came back positive for a "negligible amount" of marijuana. Because Henry was in phase two of the league's substance abuse program, a positive test would trigger at least a year's suspension. Henry's case revolves around him seeking to have his specialist present when a "B" sample of urine was tested in order to confirm the "A" test result.

 

Henry has practiced both days this week and is expected to start for Denver at Detroit on Sunday. He didn't play Monday night against Green Bay because of bruised ribs.

[rsekine 0]

Re frickin dicoulous!

 

Young has occupied a roster spot for month and still no justice....if Henry ends up guilty and suspended after the season, this would all been a waste for Young owners.

 

 

 

yeah, he should really try to save face and just shut henry down now