Why Santana Moss gets a free pass...

[Pocket$ $traight]

I know that Santana is going to get heat over the HGH scandal. In fact, it started on this board before it was announced publically. But here is why I have no ill feelings towards Moss over this.

Santana Moss gave me three "sit on my knee" memories since he has been here. The first one I will mention is the Giant's game at Fed Ex in 2005. Santana had 3 touchdowns (including one from Patrick Ramsey after Brunell was knocked out of the game). That performance beat me for a fantasy championship but, more importantly, kept the momentum going for the Redskins 2005 playoff run.

Second, the Jacksonville home game in 2006. I was there in person and his two touchdowns (including a game winner in overtime) were electrifying. I still remember seeing him put on "circle button" spin moves on helpless defenders. My tickets were near the end zone where he ran in the last touchdown.

Last but not least, the Ring of Honor Sodomization. I will freely admit that I literally fell asleep during that game. Our offense was a joke. The only thing that I vaguely remember in the third quarter was Roy Williams ending a drive or two but for some reason I woke up with about 7 minutes left in the 4th and that was when business picked up. I firmly believe that those two touchdowns gave Gibbs credibility in his second go around. The offense was pathetic in all of 2004 and seemed to continue on that path in 2005. Without those two plays, we do not make the playoffs in 2005. Without those two plays Gibbs may not even coach in 2006.

So, am I going to defend Moss for taking HGH? No. Am I going to badmouth him and treat him like the next "Haynesworth"? No. He allegedly took these treatments to heal. I am not going to hold it against him that he took something to fix his broken down body and extend his career. He has been the Redskins best receiver every year since he has been here. He has paid his dues for this franchise and the fans and he will continue to sacrifice for the Redskins going forward.

Santana Moss has been a great Redskin. He does not have any Championship moments but I am not going to crucify him like Jared LaCanfora's butt buddy, Jason Reid, has. Reid wasn't around here when Moss was winning games and giving a legend some credibility.

[rbanerjee23]

Santana has had some great moments...sadly they've been few and far between. I completely agree with Shanahan's appraisal of the situation -- employing a wait-and-see approach is the most appropriate given the type of investigation this is shaping up to be.

[NM Redskin]

I don't think the Comish is going to agree with you.

[Pocket$ $traight]

Originally Posted by NM Redskin

I don't think the Comish is going to agree with you.

I agree with you about that. If he used them, he deserves 4 games. My thought is that he does not deserve the holier than though criticism that always comes with instances like this.

If his choice was to do these treatments or possibly have to retire, I don't blame him one bit. Moss' game has always been based on elite speed. You take that away, he is marginal at best.

[Monkeydad]

Originally Posted by Pocket$ $traight

I agree with you about that. If he used them, he deserves 4 games. My thought is that he does not deserve the holier than though criticism that always comes with instances like this.

If his choice was to do these treatments or possibly have to retire, I don't blame him one bit. Moss' game has always been based on elite speed. You take that away, he is marginal at best.

I agree with you...there is a precedent about HGH suspensions already and the fact is they ARE banned, even if he used them for healing an injury instead of cheating/performance enhancement.

He took a gamble and because the doc is in trouble himself, he'll get caught because of that. I'm convinced players all around the league also use them for injuries, not necessarily to become faster/stronger/better. The gamble is relying on the doctor himself not getting in any legal trouble and outing you. Most players won't have to go through this, but many will and that's where the real risk of getting caught comes from. Since there is no test, the NFL has to rely on the legal system to locate these offenses. It's a crapshoot. The players know this but getting over injuries so they can keep playing or come back quicker, with minimal punishment even if caught, makes it worth it.

Moss will not be any different in my eyes because I know he's one of many, or MOST players around the league and even on the Redskins who use this for injuries. We're not talking about steroids or performance enhancing cheating, it's medical treatment...nothing more, nothing less.

[tryfuhl]

Tom Brady

[Pocket$ $traight]

Originally Posted by tryfuhl

Tom Brady

Is Brady the big name? I haven't seen it come out yet but it certainly would make sense. It will be interesting to see how the NFL protects the Golden Boy in this situation.

[tryfuhl]

I mean look at it.. the guy didn't get bigger faster stronger.. you can pop cortisone and any number of pain killers and be fine but can't use something to actually promote healing? So assbackwards, thanks American medical system.

[Dirtbag59]

HE HAD A TUMOR!!!! That's right, Moss had a tumor.

[joethiesmanfan]

Originally Posted by Dirtbag359

HE HAD A TUMOR!!!! That's right, Moss had a tumor.

what?

[SolidSnake84]

I like some of the points of the OP, who has stated for the record that Moss has been a great redskin. This is obviously true.

However, being a great player, or a fan favorite, should not get him a free pass. Marvin Harrison is one of the best of all times, and definatley a fan favorite, but questions surrounding him and a shooting have kept him out of the game since then...he had to be held accountable.

Ben was popular up in Pittsburgh until the rape happened. My point is, players that go off and do these dumb things know that sooner or later they are going to get caught. Santana, for all that he is, fan favorite and all, knew that HGH was a banned substance and using it in ANY way, even to heal, would certainly be against the league's policy.

I think we will see at least a 4 game suspension when it is all said and done.

[Pocket$ $traight]

Originally Posted by SolidSnake84

I like some of the points of the OP, who has stated for the record that Moss has been a great redskin. This is obviously true.

However, being a great player, or a fan favorite, should not get him a free pass. Marvin Harrison is one of the best of all times, and definatley a fan favorite, but questions surrounding him and a shooting have kept him out of the game since then...he had to be held accountable.

Ben was popular up in Pittsburgh until the rape happened. My point is, players that go off and do these dumb things know that sooner or later they are going to get caught. Santana, for all that he is, fan favorite and all, knew that HGH was a banned substance and using it in ANY way, even to heal, would certainly be against the league's policy.

I think we will see at least a 4 game suspension when it is all said and done.

See, I don't think you can compare Moss to Big Blumpkin and Marvin Harrison. The allegations that they are fighting are in a different category. The sad thing is that the league treats a guy who may have raped a woman the same as a guy who wanted to extend his career.

My understanding is that Moss used these treatments to rehab an injury. There is a difference. Now if he was using them his whole career, I would view it differently.

[SmootSmack]

Moss has certainly given the Redskins some great moments (but he's also had boneheaded "take off my helmet on the field, jump up and down, and pout" moments), and I understand the temptations and pressures to stay on the field. Still....there were plenty of other players under those same pressures and temptations who didn't succumb.

[Longtimefan]

Originally Posted by SmootSmack

Moss has certainly given the Redskins some great moments (but he's also had boneheaded "take off my helmet on the field, jump up and down, and pout" moments), and I understand the temptations and pressures to stay on the field. Still....there were plenty of other players under those same pressures and temptations who didn't succumb.

His current situation is synonymous with your description. Players need to understand the importance of making good decisions. The decision by Moss to be involved in the use of HGH was a bad one, the consequences are his alone.

[SolidSnake84]

the bottom line is he used a banned substance. now it obviously wasnt for malicious intent, or to gain an edge like these guys that use PED's, but he still should have known better.