Well, now we have a better understanding of why the Browns cut defensive tackle Shaun Smith.
And why the Lions recently cut him, too.
According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, Smith has been suspended four games for violating the league’s policy regarding anabolic steroids and related substances.
Smith will be able to serve the suspension while unsigned.
He has been a controversial figure over the past year or so, culminating in the reported cold-cocking of Browns quarterback Brady Quinn last year. But that didn’t keep teams from pursuing him; per Schefter, six teams inquired about Smith’s services after he was cut by the Lions.
Smith’s story -- and he’s likely sticking to it -- is that he took a diuretic containing a banned substance. As we’ve pointed out many times in the past, the confidentiality of the league’s steroids policy allows guys to make their positive tests sound as innocuous as possible, regardless of the specific shade of green they assume when becoming angry.
