Well we don't know what "slightly higher levels" actually means chemically. It might be slight in the sense of what his body normally produces. But it is probably way more than what ejaculation raises it by.
So I have to show links of people defending Cushing, but you don't have to show links with the contrary? Guilty until proven innocent? Wow, I guess life is tough when you're not the spokesman for the American public.
probably or probably not....that's the problem. It's pure speculation. I mean, if he is borderline, i wouldnt imagine it would take much to go over. I'm would imagine that the NFL layed out everything in detail, but then again, it's the NFL, so i'm not sure how much they really have to show. But with whats out there, the case against him seems circumstancial and flimsy. I'm curious if the previous rumours of drug use weighed in on his judgment from the NFL....better safe than sorry type of deal.
Sorry, I'm a little late to the party. I find it interesting that people keep posting those two pictures side by side as indisputable evidence that he did roids. What about this picture? Spoiler That was taken in high school, before he ever set foot on the USC campus. It seems he's always been ripped, but people are using that one picture where he looks a little dumpy as proof that he juiced up.
It's not speculation. The guy failed the test, and now SOME are speculating that the levels were so low jacking off could have set it off. That is the speculating part, but NO ONE has shown that the levels of of hcg needed to trigger a positive test are really that low. Since the Player's Association agreed to the limits, somehow I doubt the test would be that strict. Also, consider that the testosterone ratio test is generous to players. There is nothing circumstantial about a failed drug test.
His usage has been rumored from before his USC days, look I hope he never fails a test again but both sides of the argument are speculation and fact is, he tested at a higher than acceptable level for a substance that is known to be used by PED users as part of a PED cycle and the rules say he must sit for 4 games. Who cares about DROY, I just hoep he stays in shape and never pops positive again, in other words come back and beast other NFL teams for the Houston Texans.
Exactly. He isn't the first guy and won't be the last. Hopefully he learned his lesson and he can move on and have an excellent career.
That is true...but it was also at a level which wouldnt have been considered a positive test last year. Therefore, he's innocent in my book. :grin:
Not what I was talking about - read the context of the thread being quoted. Roxboys said the rest of the nation viewed Cushing as a cheat, regardless of what details came out. I disputed that account. As such, the "guilty until proven innocent" was in reference to fan perception, not to the NFL.
Regardless of what details came out? None of the details that have come out have made him look innocent.
A source familiar with the Brian Cushing case has revealed more details to ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter. A positive test occurred in early September, and Cushing tested negative for any substance twice before he was ever alerted that he had initially tested positive (both within days of the initial positive test). And after being alerted of the positive test Brian was tested randomly numerous times throughout the season and never tested positive. In addition, the test was positive for slightly elevated levels of hCG (a non-steroidal substance - hCG is a hormone produced naturally by the body). The level that he tested positive for was so low that it would not have been considered a "positive" test even a year ago. He tested positive for a non-steroid that is produced naturally by the body, to an extent that would have been possible if he had merely ejaculated recently before the test and would not have even been considered "positive" a year ago. He passed every single other test throughout the season. Yes, these details definitely have an impact on whether I perceive him as a cheat. Maybe they don't for you, and that's fine. But I hardly think any of us, myself, you and Roxboys included, are in a position to state what the public as a whole thinks.
NO ONE has said scientifically backed up the excuse ejaculation raises the hcg level to the point that he would fail the test. Apparently ejaculations raises hcg levels slightly, but there is a difference between a raised level that is meaningless and one that fails a test. http://www.sbnation.com/2010/5/11/1467343/brian-cushing-hcg-suspension "...there are slightly elevated levels of hCG after ejaculation, which is what ESPN's Adam Schefter reported. According to Will Carroll, that doesn't mean much." "HCG can be detected at 20 to 100 ppm. NFL threshhold is unknown, but is likely the standard of 50 ppm. Natural levels in men near zero."
How in the world can you take the scientific background of a test that seriously when we don't even know the threshold the NFL has to fail it?
