Huge Lion’s large suspension makes for big problem

By Os Davis  |   Wednesday, October 18, 2006  |  Comments( 0 )

Detroit Lions
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As if the Detroit Lions needed another problem in an already nightmarish season, more disturbing news hit the club Tuesday. Suspension for steroid/controlled substance use, came the judgment from the commissioner's office, bringing the issue home to the silver-and-Honolulu blue in a big way.

How big? Huge. How huge? Try Shaun Rogers huge, in an announcement that would be almost laughable if not for the seriousness of the NFL's mostly covered-up steroid problem, not to mention the pitiful state of the 2006 Lions.

Rogers, a defensive tackle and one of perhaps two bona fide all-stars on Detroit's roster, will now be forced to sit out four games and give up about $250,000 for violating league policy. ESPN reported that Rogers had tested positive for "a product that Rogers used to help him control his weight."

Now, hold on just a moment here. Control his weight? This year, Rogers is officially listed at 345 pounds. Anything short of applying a starvation diet, liposuction and perhaps removal of a limb isn't going to control this dude's weight. This is one large individual, folks.

(On the other hand, my official Madden NFL 2007 has "Big Baby" listed at 357 pounds, so maybe the "weight control" method really is working.)

In all seriousness, though, particularly for opposing linemen, is that over the past two seasons, Rogers amassed a total of 109 tackles, 9.5 sacks and two Pro Bowl nods. This is one large, fast individual, folks.

The suspension could not have come at a worse time for the woeful Detroit team which finally eked out its first victory of 2006 last week against the Buffalo Bills. (Incidentally, didn't Roy Williams guarantee that win?) The five weeks Rogers won't be playing have the Lions at the New York Jets; on a bye week; at home against Atlanta and San Francisco; and at Arizona. These games are all winnable for the Lions, who could really use a little confidence instilling at this point.

Rogers and the guys on 'D' have been a bit of a disappointment since the opener against the Seattle Seahawks, as their opponents have run up just about 30 points per game after Week 1. On his part, Rogers has recorded one sack since the Seattle game; to his credit, Rogers must have gotten at least a piece of the game ball last week for falling on the fumble to seal the deal.

Tentatively to start in Rogers' spot will be Tyoka Jackson, the 12-year veteran who has seen little playing time this season. Since Jackson is officially listed at an even 280, the Lions have just lost at least 65 pounds from the line. Talk about weight control...

Oh, and fire Millen.

More on the habits of Detroit Lions at RealFootball365.com
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About Os Davis

Os Davis has taken a twisted route to get to RealFootball365.com in his nearly 17 years in professional writing, working in any number of capacities in the sportswriting, news reporting and film criticism worlds. In print media, Os has served as editor at a few publications, including Albuquerque's...
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