Texans linebacker suspended again
Houston Texans linebacker Brian Cushing has been suspended a second time for violating the NFL’s performance enhancers policy, this time for 10 games.
Houston Texans linebacker Brian Cushing has been suspended for 10 games by the NFL for violating the league’s performance enhancers policy.
It’s the second time Cushing has been suspended; he missed four games in 2010 under the same policy, testing positive for a fertility drug. Cushing had won 2009 Defensive Rookie of the Year, an honor which was jeopardized by the suspension. He kept the award after a revote by The Associated Press’ awards panel.
Currently in the NFL’s concussion protocol after being injured in Houston’s opening loss to Jacksonville, Cushing will be eligible to return on Nov. 28.
Cousins to face former coach
Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins will try to rebound from a rough season opener against one of the coaches who knows him best.
Cousins on Sunday will face former offensive coordinator Sean McVay’s Los Angeles Rams as the Redskins look to avoid starting 0-2. McVay spent the past seven seasons in Washington, the past two calling the plays as Cousins set franchise records for passing yards.
McVay was so instrumental to Cousins’ success that the QB signed a jersey for him with the message, “I owe you my career.” McVay has the jersey displayed in his house but must now game-plan against Cousins and the Redskins.
Kaepernick shows support for Bennett
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick is among athletes and activists showing support for Seattle Seahawks defensive end Michael Bennett, who says he was subjected to racially motivated excessive force by Las Vegas police last month.
Kaepernick, soccer player Megan Rapinoe, actor Jesse Williams and Black Lives Matter co-founders Opal Tometti and Patrice Khan-Cullors are among those who signed a statement of solidarity released Wednesday.
Bennett says he was held at gunpoint and handcuffed by officers who were searching for a shooter at a Las Vegas casino. He says it’s because he’s a black man.
Las Vegas police deny race played a role.
Longtime NFL back dies
Longtime NFL running back Alex Hawkins died Tuesday in Columbia. He was 80.
Hawkins, born in West Virginia, became the Atlantic Coast Conference player of the year in 1958. His junior season, Hawkins led the Gamecocks in passing, rushing, scoring and punt returns in 1957.
Hawkins played 10 NFL seasons, eight for the Baltimore Colts and two with Atlanta. Hawkins played on the NFL title team in 1959 in Baltimore and also on the Colt 1968 NFL championship squad.
Wentz likes Miss America’s shoutout
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz says it’s cool that the winner of the Miss America contest credits him with inspiring her.
Wentz graduated from Bismarck, North Dakota’s Century High School one year ahead of Miss America Cara (KAHR’-uh) Mund.
Mund said after winning the title Sunday that “if Carson Wentz can do it, Miss North Dakota Cara Mund can become Miss America.”