Washington, DC – The National Football League Players Association released a statement Tuesday regarding the suspensions of Denver defensive tackle Ryan McBean and Broncos linebacker D.J. Williams.
Both were issued six-game suspensions last week for violations of the league's policy on performance-enhancing substances. Another Bronco, tight end Virgil Green, was hit with a four-game penalty. His suspension was not addressed by the NFLPA.
"The NFLPA is disappointed by the decisions in the cases of Ryan McBean and D.J. Williams," the statement read. "Despite substantial evidence of breaches in the collection protocol and other procedural irregularities, the NFL decided to punish these players without judicious review of the facts. The league-appointed hearing officer then affirmed the discipline, even though the specimen collector was fired by his agency for not following procedures. The NFL also failed to produce the sample collector as a witness during the players' appeals hearing.
"The NFLPA and NFL have been negotiating a new and comprehensive substances of abuse and steroids policies. The facts in these two cases and in recent cases in other sports, dramatically underscore the players' insistence to have independent, neutral arbitrators as part of any future policy. We will continue to fight for a fair, clean and safe game."
Without mentioning names, the NFLPA referenced the recently overturned suspension of Ryan Braun in Major League Baseball. Braun's case went to an independent arbitrator and his 50-game suspension was reversed.
McBean and Williams are eligible to participate in all offseason activities, as well as preseason practices and games. The suspensions will take effect with the start of the 2012 regular season.
Williams totaled 90 tackles and five sacks in 13 games a season ago, while McBean racked up 33 tackles in 16 games -- three starts -- in 2011.
