Positive Drug Test Lands Four-Game Suspension For Bowe

NFL News - November 18th, 2009 - Written by John

Just when the Kansas City Chiefs begun rinsing themselves of Larry Johnson, their hands were dirties again almost immediately.

The team announced on Tuesday that starting wideout Dwayne Bowe will serve a four-game suspension for violating the league's substance-abuse policy. Bowe's agent, Todd France, told Yahoo! Sports that Bowe tested positive because of a weight-loss supplement.

Per Associated Press, France wrote: “Dwayne did not take a steroid or any other peformance-enhancing drug. However, he took a diuretic for weight loss, which unfortunately has a negative effect under the league’s policy. Dwayne is sincerely disappointed and apologetic that he let down the Chiefs organization, his teammates and the fans. He looks forward to returning to what is left of the 2009 NFL Season and putting this situation behind him.”

Bowe will immediately begin his suspension, and won't be available until Week 15 against the Cleveland Browns. Because he hasn't publicly appealed the decision, there are rumors, specifically on ProFootballTalk, the Bowe likely tested positive a while ago and has been exploring his options for some time. It's also possible it was the reason the team went ahead and brought in Chris Chambers.

Chambers was signed two weeks ago after being cut by the San Diego Chargers. In his first game with the team, the nine-year veteran had 70 yards and two touchdowns.

It's the first time any player has been caught with an illegal substance this year.

Bowe leads the Chiefs in every major receiving category, including catches (33), yards (466) and touchdowns (4).

He is a three-year starter after being drafted in the first round in 2007. He is clearly the Cheifs' most talented player and their top option in the passing game. But he has been bemoaned, at times, by first year head coach Todd Haley, after making mental errors to interrupt drives. Haley was recently seen berating the receiver on the sidelines last week when he lined up wrong and forced thet team to take a timeout. Other than that, he has performed great in his team's two wins. Against the Oakland Raiders, he had six catches for 91 yards, and against Washington he had 109 yards.

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