Colts LB Robert Mathis’ misstep costs him four game suspension

The Indianapolis Colts will be without their leader on defense for the first four games of the 2014 regular season. Robert Mathis, the NFL leader in sacks last season with 19.5, has been suspended four games without pay by the NFL for using a prohibited substance.

We’re not talking about steroids or recreational drugs. Mathis owned up to using a fertility drug, a private matter, and not reaching out to team officials or his agent before use.

“It is difficult for me to address the circumstances surrounding this suspension because they involve very personal medical information, but it is very important to me that my fans, particularly young people, understand what did and did not occur. Like many families, my wife and I faced fertility challenges, and I sought medical assistance,” Mathis wrote in a statement.

“I specifically asked the doctor if the medication he prescribed for me would present a problem for NFL drug testing, and unfortunately, he incorrectly told me that it would not. I made the mistake of not calling the NFL or NFLPA to double check before I took the medication at the end of last season. The union has worked very closely with me to present all of the facts and medical records for consideration of discipline that does not include a suspension because of the unique facts of my case, but the Commissioner refused the request. I am deeply saddened that this situation will prevent me from contributing to my team for four games, and I regret that I didn’t cross check what my doctor told me before I took the medication.

“I hope that my fans will understand the unique circumstances involved here and continue to know that I am a man of integrity who would never intentionally circumvent the performance enhancing substance policy agreed to by the NFL and my union. The incredible blessing of this very upsetting situation is that, after I took the medication very briefly at the end of last season, we learned that my wife is expecting a baby. We are thrilled that we will be welcoming a new member in several months, but I apologize to my teammates, coaches and Colts fans that I will not be able to contribute to my team for the first four weeks of the 2014 season. I will work extremely hard during that time to stay in top football shape and will be prepared to contribute immediately upon my return.”

It was a stupid mistake by the 33-year-old. Every professional player should know to check with the team’s training staff, his agent or the Players Association before going on a new drug. At least read the list of banned substances. I’m guessing it’s posted somewhere in the Colts’ facility on West 56th Street. Better yet, just fire a quick text to the team trainer. That’s his job.

The substance Mathis used was Clomid, according to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network.

More details, as Tweeted by Rapoport’s colleague, Albert Breer, who spoke with Mathis’ agent:

Engelhard said that Mathis only took Clomid for 10 days, and stopped when his wife got pregnant. Said the NFL questioned his doc under oath.

— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) May 16, 2014

Mathis met with Goodell face-to-face in March, and he has met with the league and union a number of times on this matter.

— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) May 16, 2014

Engelhard agrees Mathis should’ve sought a TUE (Therapeutic Use Exemption) for Clomid, deserves sanctions. Just thinks these are too severe.

— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) May 16, 2014

I feel for Mathis, who’s been nothing but a gentleman and standup representative of himself, the Colts organization and the city in his time with the team. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that he’s already gone through the appeal process, which included a face-to-face meeting with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell.

The NFL is put in a tough spot because this substance is on the banned list. Assuming Mathis’ story is accurate, and at this point there’s no reason to believe it’s not, he used the drug for a short time to increase the chances of his wife becoming pregnant. It’s his private life and news typically not consumed by the public. But if the NFL makes an exception for Mathis, then that makes them vulnerable for future cases.

Could a player use a performance-enhancing drug for a month, a critical month, and get a doctor to support his case? I don’t know enough about the drug but it’s something that has to be considered.

“We are disappointed in Roger’s decision,” said NFLPA President Eric Winston. “Given the set of facts that Robert, medical experts and our union presented, upholding this suspension shows a lack of compassion and perspective. We support Robert and are happy for him and his family.”

The Colts are obviously disappointed with the penalty handed out.

“We have learned that Robert Mathis will be required to serve a four game suspension under the League’s policy on prohibited substances,” a team from the statement read. “We recognize the extreme seriousness of this matter and will honor the confidentiality requirements of the League’s program. We nevertheless wish to assure Robert and our fans that he remains an honored and cherished member of the Colts family and that we support him as he deals with this difficult challenge.”

Mathis missing the first four games is a crushing blow for the Colts. Those four games – at Denver, vs Philadelphia, at Jacksonville, vs Tennessee – are two primetime contests and two against divisional opponents.

Ultimately, Mathis’ wife is pregnant and so the drug did it’s job. Ultimately, missing four games doesn’t compare to having another child, though it does let the team down, has a chance to impact their record as well as his individual stats.

If I’m Mathis, while I know I screwed up and am understandably frustrated, I know I have another gift on the way in a couple of months. And that’s enough.