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Doug Martin stepping away from Bucs for personal reasons

Posted on 12/28/16 at 2:39 pm
Posted by TechDawg2007
Bawville
Member since Nov 2007
32249 posts
Posted on 12/28/16 at 2:39 pm
LINK

quote:

Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Doug Martin is stepping away from the team to take care of personal issues, a source informed of the situation told NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport on Wednesday. Martin, who inked a five-year, $35.75 million contract in the offseason, was a healthy scratch during the Buccaneers' 31-24 loss to the Saints on Saturday. Bucs coach Dirk Koetter told reporters Monday that the decision to bench Martin was simply tied to "trying to put the Bucs in the best position to win games." Hampered by a hamstring injury in Septemeber that cost him six games, the former first-rounder averaged just 2.9 yards per carry this season, a full two yards off his 2015 pace. Last year, Martin finished second in league rushing behind Adrian Peterson with 1,402 yards and six touchdowns. Around The NFL will have more on this development soon.
This post was edited on 12/28/16 at 2:40 pm
Posted by sms151t
Polos, Porsches, Ponies..PROBATION
Member since Aug 2009
139848 posts
Posted on 12/28/16 at 2:40 pm to
Is there history of any addiction?

I don't want to speculate but would clarify some things.
Posted by Chad504boy
4 posts
Member since Feb 2005
166322 posts
Posted on 12/28/16 at 3:07 pm to
4 game substance abuse suspension... such a weird story.
Posted by sms151t
Polos, Porsches, Ponies..PROBATION
Member since Aug 2009
139848 posts
Posted on 12/28/16 at 3:11 pm to
Thank you.
Posted by SpartyGator
Detroit Lions fan
Member since Oct 2011
75460 posts
Posted on 12/28/16 at 3:20 pm to
It's a suspension, see Belle's full quote below this post.

LINK

quote:

Doug Martin has been suspended four games for violating the NFL's drug policy, the team announced Wednesday.

Martin was not at the team's practice on Wednesday. Coach Dirk Koetter said Martin's absence was excused and that Martin would be releasing a statement later in the day.

Martin released a statement about the suspension: I was notified last week of a four-game suspension for violating the league's drug policy. My initial instinct was to appeal the suspension and finish the season with my teammates. However, after numerous discussions with people close to me -- including Coach (Dirk) Koetter -- I am starting the suspension immediately so I can enter a treatment facility and receive the help I truly need.


On the field, I must be strong and determined to push through both pain and injuries to become an elite NFL running back. Off the field, I have tried that same approach in my personal life. My shortcomings in this area have taught me both that I cannot win these personal battles alone and that there is no shame in asking for help.
This post was edited on 12/28/16 at 3:21 pm
Posted by BluegrassBelle
RIP Hefty Lefty - 1981-2019
Member since Nov 2010
99072 posts
Posted on 12/28/16 at 3:20 pm to
FWIW, here's his statement.

ETA: Sparty beat me to it. The full quote from Martin:

quote:

“I was notified last week of a four-game suspension for violating the league’s drug policy. My initial instinct was to appeal the suspension and finish the season with my teammates. However, after numerous discussions with people close to me - including Coach Koetter - I am starting the suspension immediately so I can enter a treatment facility and receive the help I truly need. “On the field, I must be strong and determined to push through both pain and injuries to become an elite NFL running back. Off the field, I have tried that same approach in my personal life. My shortcomings in this area have taught me both that I cannot win these personal battles alone and that there is no shame in asking for help. “I sincerely apologize to the Glazer family, General Manager Jason Licht and the entire Tampa Bay organization, my teammates and our tremendous fans. This was not the season I envisioned and I have let everyone down, including myself. However, adversity yields opportunity and I ask for your support in my battle to overcome these personal issues.”


Here's the GM statement as well.

quote:

“Doug has been a valued member of our organization for the past five seasons and we respect and support his decision to seek help. Right now, he is working through issues that are much larger than the game of football. Our primary concern is that he takes this time to focus on getting the help that he needs in order to move forward with his personal and professional life.”


Also includes Bucs GM statement (Bay9 News)
This post was edited on 12/28/16 at 3:24 pm
Posted by SpartyGator
Detroit Lions fan
Member since Oct 2011
75460 posts
Posted on 12/28/16 at 3:21 pm to
Oops on the timing
Posted by BluegrassBelle
RIP Hefty Lefty - 1981-2019
Member since Nov 2010
99072 posts
Posted on 12/28/16 at 3:23 pm to
It's ok. I'll put the full quote back in.
Posted by tduecen
Member since Nov 2006
161244 posts
Posted on 12/28/16 at 3:26 pm to
Damn Muscle Hamster ain't natural
Posted by BluegrassBelle
RIP Hefty Lefty - 1981-2019
Member since Nov 2010
99072 posts
Posted on 12/28/16 at 3:31 pm to
For a four game suspension, he's had multiple missed or failed tests.

From his comments it doesn't sound like PEDs. It wouldn't surprise me if it was marijuana though. Or something recreational that he's having issues kicking.

quote:

Here is the NFL’s current schedule of penalties for marijuana positives. If it was applied correctly, it serves as a road map, in effect, for how Williams ended up with a four-game suspension:

1. First violation: Referral to a substance-abuse program.
2. Second violation: Fine equivalent to two game checks. (The player’s NFL team isn’t necessarily informed, as the punishment does not affect playing time).
3. Third violation: Fine equivalent to four game checks. (Again, the team isn’t necessarily informed).
4. Fourth violation: Four-game suspension.
5. Fifth violation: 10-game suspension.
6. Sixth violation: One-year banishment.


Could be a similar situation...(WashPost article on Williams from November)
This post was edited on 12/28/16 at 3:31 pm
Posted by tduecen
Member since Nov 2006
161244 posts
Posted on 12/28/16 at 3:34 pm to
Just make weed legal and tax it
Posted by CQQ
Member since Feb 2006
17048 posts
Posted on 12/28/16 at 3:35 pm to
Is it weird that you can essentially break a serious company policy 3 times without your employer finding out?
Posted by BluegrassBelle
RIP Hefty Lefty - 1981-2019
Member since Nov 2010
99072 posts
Posted on 12/28/16 at 3:40 pm to
Even if it's legalized, a business won't be required to allow it.

But, if there's an organization that needs to strongly look into THC in terms of managing pain/wear and tear it's the NFL. Their players are eating opioids like candy so it's no coincidence you have some players who are willing to risk a substance abuse suspension if they can use something like weed for pain instead.
Posted by jlnoles79
Member since Jan 2014
12842 posts
Posted on 12/28/16 at 3:49 pm to
Not shocked Martin imploded after having a big contract year.

After Evans the skill positions are a mess.
Posted by BilJ
Member since Sep 2003
158763 posts
Posted on 12/28/16 at 4:11 pm to
Yeah I didn't get the Bucs paying him, great rookie year, then was in pretty bad shape the next few, got right in a contract year, back to his lazy ways after getting paid
Posted by jlnoles79
Member since Jan 2014
12842 posts
Posted on 12/28/16 at 4:16 pm to
quote:

Yeah I didn't get the Bucs paying him, great rookie year, then was in pretty bad shape the next few, got right in a contract year, back to his lazy ways after getting paid


You could see it coming.

A lot of work has to be done if they wanna improve off of this season.

Improve Oline
Need a #2 WR
Address Secondary
Look for a young cheap rb
This post was edited on 12/28/16 at 4:18 pm
Posted by TigerintheNO
New Orleans
Member since Jan 2004
41202 posts
Posted on 12/28/16 at 4:42 pm to
Per ESPN since it was PED failure, his guaranteed contract can be voided, including the $7 million he was guaranteed for next season.
Posted by iAmBatman
The Batcave
Member since Mar 2011
12382 posts
Posted on 12/28/16 at 4:47 pm to
Yahoo reporting that adderall caused the failed test.
Posted by David Ricky
Hailing From Parts Unknown
Member since Sep 2015
24218 posts
Posted on 12/28/16 at 4:48 pm to
quote:

Yahoo reporting that adderall caused the failed test.


Lol wow
Posted by BluegrassBelle
RIP Hefty Lefty - 1981-2019
Member since Nov 2010
99072 posts
Posted on 12/28/16 at 4:50 pm to
What's to laugh about? The guy has enough of a problem that he's putting himself in rehab. And could lose millions over it. Hope he can get clean and get his life back on track.
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