Marcus Washington Had a Urine Test "Flagged" Last Year
 

[QUOTE]
During a routine round of mandatory drug testing last August, Washington's urine sample was flagged as suspicious, and by league rule he was placed in stage one of the NFL's substance abuse program. His urine was classified as diluted -- a potential sign of a player using a masking agent to hide illegal performance enhancers from drug screens. He was subjected to random testing throughout the season, pregame urine testing, and most humiliating, friends say, psychiatric evaluation.

Washington never tested positive, and thus never entered stage two of the program, which often calls for a player to serve a mandatory four-game suspension and to have his name publicized. But people close to Washington say they watched him sink into fits of depression and anger, hurt by the rigidity of a process that treated him as if he were a criminal.

He is now convinced that it ruined his season.
[/QUOTE]

[url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/07/21/AR2007072101176.html]washingtonpost.com[/url]

Re: Marcus Washington Had a Urine Test "Flagged" Last Year
 

Interesting. I'm going to completely steer clear of speculation on this; instead I'd just like to comment on how quiet the team kept this. In a sport with such heavy media coverage, and a channel devoted to its coverage 24/7, you'd think something would have leaked out. It's impressive that when the team wants to keep something on the DL, they can still lock it down.

Re: Marcus Washington Had a Urine Test "Flagged" Last Year
 

I wonder what classifies as diluted sample? Would drinking a gallon of water, milk, or Gatorade dilute your urine before a test?

Re: Marcus Washington Had a Urine Test "Flagged" Last Year
 

there are certain things on the market to mask illegal drugs. could be what they meant

Re: Marcus Washington Had a Urine Test "Flagged" Last Year
 

Surprise, surprise for all of us, including MW!

Re: Marcus Washington Had a Urine Test "Flagged" Last Year
 

Don't know how to comment on this. I mean, I believe in innocent until proven guilty. I also understand the importance of being a step ahead of everybody else...since it is a competition...

I would like to hear more of the story......

Re: Marcus Washington Had a Urine Test "Flagged" Last Year
 

Well all I can say is that I'm really glad that he didn't test positive cuz it wld be big crush to 'Skins..

Re: Marcus Washington Had a Urine Test "Flagged" Last Year
 

the damn 'Roids gave him the depression and anger. jk well at least it didnt get leaked out to the press

Re: Marcus Washington Had a Urine Test "Flagged" Last Year
 

yeah cause the press would have had a field day with that.

Re: Marcus Washington Had a Urine Test "Flagged" Last Year
 

i can see that ruining your season, now magnify that by a billion and that is what pressure and scrutiny MVick will be under if he plays, exactly why he should take this season off to see what happens.

back to the thread

Re: Marcus Washington Had a Urine Test "Flagged" Last Year
 

MW will be fine and have another solid season for us, maybe even another pro bowl nod.

Re: Marcus Washington Had a Urine Test "Flagged" Last Year
 

[QUOTE=EARTHQUAKE2689;331660]MW will be fine and have another solid season for us, maybe even another pro bowl nod.[/QUOTE]

You're asking a lot of a guy that came off surgery and is 30 years old...but I hope you're right.

Re: Marcus Washington Had a Urine Test "Flagged" Last Year
 

I hope he bounces back from this, he's one of the leaders on this team and he brings a lot of energy and positivity to us. It's sad to hear that when this happens to a person like him, he becomes the exact opposite of what he usually is.

Re: Marcus Washington Had a Urine Test "Flagged" Last Year
 

If it wasn't a big deal last year then why should it be this year? I'm quite sure that if anything showed we would have heard about it. As someone already mentioned diluted could mean anything. Maybe he ate a pooppy seed bagel that morning with a lot of water to wash it down.

Re: Marcus Washington Had a Urine Test "Flagged" Last Year
 

[quote=jsarno;331797]You're asking a lot of a guy that came off surgery and is 30 years old...but I hope you're right.[/quote]

30? He just turned 27!

Re: Marcus Washington Had a Urine Test "Flagged" Last Year
 

[quote=saden1;331594]I wonder what classifies as diluted sample? Would drinking a gallon of water, milk, or Gatorade dilute your urine before a test?[/quote]

Finding either very low urine specific gravity or urine osmolality indicates a diluted urine sample. Excess water consumption could do this but not milk or Gatorade. Washington seems to imply that drinking too much water may be his problem. That doesn't strike me as a good way to mask steroid use.

Re: Marcus Washington Had a Urine Test "Flagged" Last Year
 

I really hope that the silver lining of all this is that Marcus plays with a chip on his shoulder. He seems a bit pissed that the skins didn't do anything to contest his situation, but I can understand, given all the hype against roids at present, why they kept quiet. I really hope that no permanent harm was done to their relationship--I very much doubt there will be any trouble, due to Marcus's character and personality.

So, in a league full of felons and druggies, they come down on one of the few genuinely nice and honest guys out there? Pretty weak. But that's the nature of blind testing.

Re: Marcus Washington Had a Urine Test "Flagged" Last Year
 

I just hope he plays without a (bone) chip on his hip. Really, I think this must have such a non-issue shortly afterwards that nothing could have been made from it. He didn't lose any respect, money or playing time as a result. I give him a pass on this one due to his hard-work and quiet demeanor off the field.

Re: Marcus Washington Had a Urine Test "Flagged" Last Year
 

so there is a lot of water in an athletes sample. Well that would seem to make sense. HE never tested positive even after lots of testing. So it seems marcus was clean but drank a lot of water the day before the test. So what, he is an athlete and probably drank a lot of water while training.

Re: Marcus Washington Had a Urine Test "Flagged" Last Year
 

I could care less about this. If MW can take something to help him get on the field than do it.

Re: Marcus Washington Had a Urine Test "Flagged" Last Year
 

"I wonder what classifies as diluted sample? Would drinking a gallon of water, milk, or Gatorade dilute your urine before a test?" Yes saden it would, i had to pull that stunt for probation and believe me it works

Re: Marcus Washington Had a Urine Test "Flagged" Last Year
 

Maybe this was part of the reason they were pursuing Briggs?

Re: Marcus Washington Had a Urine Test "Flagged" Last Year
 

Why even bother with this story? He didn't even get to step 2? Did they let this come out now to try and justify his subpar season( I don't think it was so bad) last year? Who cares!!!!! Last season is over and done with. It is a slow time for info I guess.

Re: Marcus Washington Had a Urine Test "Flagged" Last Year
 

I think something like this could ruin a guys season, but lets not jump to conclusions and assume that this explains everything. There are a lot of reasons as to why MWs play fell last year, including the question to whether it actually did at all. Maybe we are just associating him with the rest of the defense.

Still, something to keep ones eye on. Good find Schneed.

Re: Marcus Washington Had a Urine Test "Flagged" Last Year
 

[quote=saden1;331813]30? He just turned 27![/quote]

Gosh, I hope nothing happened to Statman. If he were here, he would have known that!

Re: Marcus Washington Had a Urine Test "Flagged" Last Year
 

Not a big deal, Shawn Merriman was actually busted and suspended and you've hardly heard about the incident since.

Re: Marcus Washington Had a Urine Test "Flagged" Last Year
 

[quote=12thMan;331889]Not a big deal, Shawn Merriman was actually busted and suspended and you've hardly heard about the incident since.[/quote]

Man, the media and everyone else squashed that story pretty well. It was upsetting to see him go to the Pro Bowl even though he got suspended for 4 games.

Re: Marcus Washington Had a Urine Test "Flagged" Last Year
 

[quote=DiehardSkin88;331842]"I wonder what classifies as diluted sample? Would drinking a gallon of water, milk, or Gatorade dilute your urine before a test?" Yes saden it would, i had to pull that stunt for probation and believe me it works[/quote]
this is one of the first flags, to who ever is giving the sample. it doesnt work. just sends up a different type of warning.

Re: Marcus Washington Had a Urine Test "Flagged" Last Year
 

[quote=saden1;331910]Man, the media and everyone else squashed that story pretty well. It was upsetting to see him go to the Pro Bowl even though he got suspended for 4 games.[/quote]

The truth of the matter is there are probably at least a half dozen "Marcus Washington" type stories a year we never hear about.

But yeah, they swept the Merriman thing under the rug pretty quickly. I think he sorta brings that excitement on defense since LT left the game.

Re: Marcus Washington Had a Urine Test "Flagged" Last Year
 

[quote=saden1;331813]30? He just turned 27![/quote]


I wish, born 10/17/1977, so by my precise calculations that would make Marcus 29 turning 30 on or about 10/17/2007

Re: Marcus Washington Had a Urine Test "Flagged" Last Year
 

[quote=SC Skins Fan;331937]I wish, born 10/17/1977, so by my precise calculations that would make Marcus 29 turning 30 on or about 10/17/2007[/quote]

for some odd reason is thought he was talking about Vick. my bad.

Re: Marcus Washington Had a Urine Test "Flagged" Last Year
 

This is why we drafted Starz and Blades. I think these two guys will be pushing Washington and Fletcher this time next year.

Re: Marcus Washington Had a Urine Test "Flagged" Last Year
 

[quote=skinsfan69;331970]This is why we drafted Starz and Blades. I think these two guys will be pushing Washington and Fletcher this time next year.[/quote]

Them's some pretty high expectations for a couple of guys who have yet to set foot on an NFL gameday field.

Is there anything you're basing this on, or do you just like making generalized, overly-optimistic predictions?

Re: Marcus Washington Had a Urine Test "Flagged" Last Year
 

[quote=Schneed10;331971]Them's some pretty high expectations for a couple of guys who have yet to set foot on an NFL gameday field.

Is there anything you're basing this on, or do you just like making generalized, overly-optimistic predictions?[/quote]

I agree, we haven't even seen these guys in action yet. I have high hopes too but at the same time let's be realistic. I'll be happy if they both make the squad.

Re: Marcus Washington Had a Urine Test "Flagged" Last Year
 

[quote=Schneed10;331971]Them's some pretty high expectations for a couple of guys who have yet to set foot on an NFL gameday field.

Is there anything you're basing this on, or do you just like making generalized, overly-optimistic predictions?[/quote]

IMO Blades is our MLB for the future. I think he was a 3-4 year starter for Pitt. I only saw a few Pitt's games last year but I remembered him very well. The guy is a real good tackler. He just seems to have a nose for the football. Very similar to Fletcher. I mean, how many more years is Fletcher going to play anyway? We already know Marshall isn't a pure MLB. So it's just seems like a natural fit.

I admit I don't know much about Starz except he was suppose to go much higher in the draft. So I guess you can call that an overly optimistic prediction.

Re: Marcus Washington Had a Urine Test "Flagged" Last Year
 

Good points, neither Fletch or Marcus need any pushing....both very motivated and proven vets, much better chance the other way around, the vets showing the young boys how to play ball, at this level.

Re: Marcus Washington Had a Urine Test "Flagged" Last Year
 

[quote=skinsfan69;331975]IMO Blades is our MLB for the future. I think he was a 3-4 year starter for Pitt. I only saw a few Pitt's games last year but I remembered him very well. The guy is a real good tackler. He just seems to have a nose for the football. Very similar to Fletcher. I mean, how many more years is Fletcher going to play anyway? We already know Marshall isn't a pure MLB. So it's just seems like a natural fit.

I admit I don't know much about Starz except he was suppose to go much higher in the draft. So I guess you can call that an overly optimistic prediction.[/quote]

OK, and I hope you're right because that'll mean Blades is really good. But before we start projecting Blades to take London Fletcher's job next season, I'd just like to see how he performs against NFL competition. Seems way too early to predict anything until we see him in some games. College doesn't tell me too much.

More realistically, only one of them is likely to make the team this year.

As for Marcus, I think it's WAAAY premature to assume the guy was doping because of this suspicious sample. IMO, he's more likely to come back looking like the player he was in 2005 than anything else.

Re: Marcus Washington Had a Urine Test "Flagged" Last Year
 

From what I read under the 1st step you have not tested positive but had somethinng like MW for the NFL to watch and test you. In the 1st stage the inforation is not given to the public because the player has not actually tested positive so they protect their name. Its only after a positive test that you are suspended and it becomes public knowledge. What bothers me is how he said it effected his whole season and how it made him depressed. I understand if he is clean how he would want to protect his name but to bother him all season is what I question. The way the NFL has it set up your name is protected and the player can prove with more test that they are clean. I guess he took it as a hit on him and his name and just let it bother him all season. Why didn't he use it as a tool to motivate himself and work hard to play his best while showing he was clean. Instead of the other way around or maybe he is making an excuse which is no better.

Re: Marcus Washington Had a Urine Test "Flagged" Last Year
 

[quote=firstdown;332003]From what I read under the 1st step you have not tested positive but had somethinng like MW for the NFL to watch and test you. In the 1st stage the inforation is not given to the public because the player has not actually tested positive so they protect their name. Its only after a positive test that you are suspended and it becomes public knowledge. What bothers me is how he said it effected his whole season and how it made him depressed. I understand if he is clean how he would want to protect his name but to bother him all season is what I question. The way the NFL has it set up your name is protected and the player can prove with more test that they are clean. I guess he took it as a hit on him and his name and just let it bother him all season. Why didn't he use it as a tool to motivate himself and work hard to play his best while showing he was clean. Instead of the other way around or maybe he is making an excuse which is no better.[/quote]

Good post, I think you hit the nail on the head. I think his pride was wounded from the way he was playing last year, and he is using this as an excuse of sorts. He's a very proud guy. I think this year he'll be motivated to return to form.

Re: Marcus Washington Had a Urine Test "Flagged" Last Year
 

Let's not go overboard about our rookies at LB just yet. We all thought Rocky would come in and have a great rookie season, and even though our LB's underacheived all season, he could barely crack the lineup. Rocky has more talent than both Blades and Starz, so I have difficulty imagining they will be taking over some all pro caliber players positions.
It will be nice to see them develope, but if they don't, then no big deal, we'll bring someone in that can. They were late round picks, so it will be no skin off our noses.
We just always seem to have on rose colored glasses about everything related to the Skins (myself included). I love the optimism, but we need to be real. Just like everyone here thinking JC is the next best thing. To this point he hasn't shown us much to really assume this. Let's just let him play first now that he has some time under this system.