Linebacker Von Miller continues to maintain his innocence while facing a four-game suspension for marijuana use, violating the NFL drug policy. The Denver Post reports it received documentation that Miller had multiple positive tests for marijuana and also an undisclosed amphetamine during his 2011 rookie season. As Miller continues to tell the media that he has never used the drug, his former teammate is supporting his through the process.
Elvis Dumervill is no longer part of the Denver Broncos, but he still remains in contract with his former teammates. Miller and Dumervill once combined for the most disruptive pass-rushing tandems in the NFL. Dumervill has reached out in support during Miller's ongoing problem.
"I spoke to Von the day before the situation broke," Dumervill said. "We have conversations all the time. He's like a younger brother. It's an unfortunate situation that happened. I told him, 'Man, adversity happens. It's how you respond to it.' So, he's like a younger brother. So that's a little sensitive.
If Miller is out for the first four games of the season, he will not be present when the Broncos face Baltimore and Dumervill in 2013. It would be a significant blow to the pass rushing part of the Denver defense. Miller is not speaking of the details surrounding the suspension, only declaring his innocence and filing an appeal to fight the charge.
The Broncos are continuing to practice as if Miller will be playing Week 1. He continues to take reps with the first team as training camp begins. Denver did move linebacker D.J. Williams up to the second team, but they have no plans on replacing Miller until they absolutely has to.
"Right now there is no penalty to my knowledge," head coach John Fox said. "He'll get every rep with the first team until we hear something differently."
Fox has not made plans on what the team will do if in fact Miller is forced to serve the suspension. While he believes the team has depth and talent, Miller is the kind of player that is tough to replace. No matter what, Miller does not intend for the pending appeal to be a distraction for him or the rest of the team during training camp.
"I'm focused. I can't wait for training camp to start. I look forward to rushing the passer, doing all those drills. I'm anxious for that," Miller said.
Besides Dumervill, Miller said that all Denver teammates have been supportive of him throughout the entire process. Miller helped lead the Broncos defense to being ranked No. 2 in the NFL last season.
