Marcus Washington Had a Urine Test "Flagged" Last Year

[12thMan]

Originally Posted by saden1

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.

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.

[skinsfan69]

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

[Schneed10]

Originally Posted by skinsfan69

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

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?

[MTK]

Originally Posted by Schneed10

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?

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.

[skinsfan69]

Originally Posted by Schneed10

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?

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.

[Schneed10]

Originally Posted by skinsfan69

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.

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.

[DieHardSkinsFan777]

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.

[firstdown]

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.

[Schneed10]

Originally Posted by firstdown

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.

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.