LS Bryan Pittman Fails Drug Test

[Keith]

Sources also have confirmed for Mortensen that four of the eight have tested positive for the diuretic Bumetanide, which belongs to a subset of medicines known as water pills that enable users to lose weight , but it is unclear who those four players are.


Mortensen also confirmed that Houston Texans long snapper Bryan Pittman is among those players to test positive for using a weight-loss supplement.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3661845

Pittman could be looking at a suspension. I think Zgonina and Dreesen are the Texans' other options for long snapper if Pittman sits out.

Pittman's lawyer has gone offensive on this getting leaked.

In a statement to the Houston Chronicle on Friday, Cornwell said, "Bryan did everything humanly possible to comply with the NFL steroid policy, including obtaining doctors' written authorization to take weight-loss medication. He did not use steroids." ...

"The recent reports about pending appeals by players who are alleged to have used weight loss supplements reflect the most egregious violation of the NFL steroid policy," Cornwell said in his statement. "The foundation of the policy is both a player's right to appeal and an absolute right to confidentiality. By leaking this story, the 'source' is clearly attempting to put their thumb on the scale of justice and harm these men."


On Saturday, Cornwell issued another statement calling on the league to revoke the Fox-31 reporter Josina Anderson's "credentials and access to NFL games and other league events until she discloses her source."

[Mike]

Maybe those huge pipes are the reason he has bounced some snaps this year.

You are correct, Dreesen and Zgonia are also snappers.

[popanot]

They can appeal all they want, but the NFL will suspend these players. If not, they create a huge gray area and even bigger problem.

[KJ3]

what are the chances this is it for pittman?

honestly i can't believe he's still around since there are other options...

[papabear]

Originally Posted by popanot

They can appeal all they want, but the NFL will suspend these players. If not, they create a huge gray area and even bigger problem.

It is possible to get a medical exemption. If a doctor gives permission and the league is notified exceptions can be made. It doesn't sound like Pittman followed the proper procedure with the league....or else this wouldn't be an issue. I would think if he gets suspended he won't have a roster spot when he comes back.

[NBT]

So if Pittman got a doctor's excuse, it follows he was doing so for the league, right?

Why was he having to lose weight? Was his stomach getting in the way of snapping the ball?

You can't make a reporter disclose their source, it is protected by the Constitution.

It is nice that we have backups who can do the long snapping.

Yes, if Pittman get suspended, it is very likely he will not have a job to come back to.

[kravix]

On 610 this morning McClain said the team had been working out another long snapper last week. I dont remember who it was though.

Even though Dressen or Zgonia(sp..) could do it, I think the team would rather have someone dedicated to that position. I have never had an issue with carrying a long snapper on the roster. ST is still 1/3 of the game and a whiffed punt or FG snap can really mess up a close game.

[WMH]

Originally Posted by kravix

ST is still 1/3 of the game and a whiffed punt or FG snap can really mess up a close game.

Just ask the Steeler's about that statement!

[NBT]

Originally Posted by kravix

On 610 this morning McClain said the team had been working out another long snapper last week. I dont remember who it was though.

Even though Dressen or Zgonia(sp..) could do it, I think the team would rather have someone dedicated to that position. I have never had an issue with carrying a long snapper on the roster. ST is still 1/3 of the game and a whiffed punt or FG snap can really mess up a close game.

I can remember one game, (was it last year?) when Pittman did just that and we ended up losing the game.

[Nconroe]

wonder when the appeals will be and when the suspensions might start. Wouldn't surprize me if we do see a change at long snapper soon.

[papabear]

Originally Posted by Nconroe

wonder when the appeals will be and when the suspensions might start. Wouldn't surprize me if we do see a change at long snapper soon.

The appeal has to be settled 4 weeks before the end of the season so there is time to serve a suspension if necessary is what I heard.