Seattle Seahawks starting cornerbacks Richard Sherman and Brandon Browner are facing suspensions for violation the NFL's performance-enhancing drug policy, according to league sources, says ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter.
The players tested positive for Adderall and both will appeal the suspension, saying they are innocent. The appeals could be heard this week by the league, according to USA Today.
According to a statement from the Seattle Seahawks, the team is "aware" of the report.
Sherman tweeted about the incident on Sunday, saying: "This is issue will be resolved soon and the truth will come out. Not worried."
According to USA Today, "Although the two players' explanations are unknown, Adderall, an amphetamine that helps players focus, is not banned by the NFL if the player files his prescription with the league."
The loss of Sherman and Browner would be a big hit to a secondary that has been one of the best in the league, including in the 24-23 win against the New England Patriots.
During and following the game, Sherman trashed talked to Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, saying:
"Any time you run a gimmick offense, you're a little bit afraid -- you're not sound in what you're doing in your base stuff," Sherman said, according to Yahoo! Sports. "You're running this hurry-up stuff, and there's a reason it's not effective, because there are great defenses out there who will stuff it. We figured out early in the game what the calls were, what they were doing, and what the adjustments were. We started executing better, and that's why they got only six points in the second half."
The Seahawks are 6-5 this year after Sunday's 24-21 loss against Miami and are in the running for a playoff spot in the NFC. If the two corners are suspended, the Seahawks will turn to Marcus Trufant and Walter Thurmond to take their spots.
According to Yahoo Sports, "Through 11 games in 2012, the Seahawks have 10 interceptions, with the duo of Sherman (four) and Browner (three) combining for 70 percent of the team's total."
Sherman has 43 tackles this season with four interceptions and three forced fumbles, while Browner has 38 tackles and three interceptions to go along with two forced fumbles. Last season Browner made the Pro Bowl.
According to Yahoo Sports, the two cornerbacks are each in the second year of their contracts and would be losing $109,412 of their $465,000 in base salary. If suspended, they would also be ineligible for postseason awards, including Pro Bowl selections and All-Pro honors.
The violations are only just the latest ban for players using Adderall this season and it is an issue that has been discussed by the league office.
New York Giants defensive backs Tyler Sash and Will Hill were suspended four-games for violating the policy, as were New England Patriots cornerback Aqib Talib, Atlanta Falcons offensive lineman Joe Hawley, Cleveland Browns cornerback Joe Haden and Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive back Eric Wright.
Giants running back Andre Brown was also suspended for Adderall this spring, but appealed his suspension and had it overturned.
Over the summer Sash was suspended by the league, but was defended by coach Tom Coughlin about the use of the drug.
"I feel very badly about that for the player," Coughlin said to ESPNNewYork.com at the time. "This kid really had no intention of doing anything illegal. I know what the definition of the rule is and understand all about that and been there myself when you have had to ask yourself (what's legal) ... sometimes you think maybe common sense needs to be involved in this."
Sash said he had used the drug to help with anxiety issues and took it under a doctor's care. Andre Brown said he used it to help with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder.
"I think everybody's situation is a little different so I can't really compare myself to Andre," Sash said. "I just put something in my body that I had a prescription from my doctor for. But I am a professional and I need to handle myself in a professional manner, meaning I need to know all the rules."
It's unclear yet whether Sherman or Browner was taking the drug to help with off the field issues or if it was something different. Once the appeals are heard this week more information will be available about the incident.