<i>Rockets' Taylor suspended for violating drug program Associated Press Houston Rockets forward Maurice Taylor received a five-game suspension from the NBA today for using mar1juana in violation of the league's collective bargaining agreement. "I have abused mar1juana, that's why I'm standing here today," Taylor said. "I should have known better. The collective bargaining agreement has been here the whole time I've been here. "I'm not a rookie. I should have known what to do and what not to do." The 6-foot-9 forward is expected to be out for the season with a right Achilles' tendon injury. He was injured during a pickup game in September, shortly after signing a six-year, $48 million contract. Because Taylor is on the injured list, his suspension will begin with the first game he is physically able to play. "Our job now is to work with him and help him in any way we can and make sure it doesn't happen again," Rockets general manager Carroll Dawson said. "He's been with us for a year. He's a very popular player. "He's done a lot of good things. Every time I've called on him to go into the community to do extra work or with a sponsor he's stepped up readily. He's a good young man and a good young player." Taylor apologized to his teammates, his family and the Rockets' organization. "I'm usually a lot smarter, but I didn't use the best judgment I should have," Taylor said. "I let everybody down in the organization, especially the coaching staff that put so much responsibility on me as a player." Taylor averaged 13 points and 5.5 rebounds for the Rockets last season. He said he did not have a continuing problem with drugs. "I don't feel like I'm a guy who has to monitor himself off the court," Taylor said. "I've never had a problem like this before. I'm not a guy that's late for practice, that hangs out late. "I'm usually accountable for my actions but this was a horrible judgment on my part. I've been in this league long enough to be telling young guys how to do things. "My actions don't reflect the type of person I am. It's something that will never happen again but I'm responsible for it."</i>
What's even worse for him, is the fact that he's watching his teammates lose right now, and he won't be able to make it up to them, until likely next season. Hopefully, he'll come back with a vengeance
It is very good to hear that he is taking the responsibilty for his actions. Poor guy's probably bored out of his mind being injured and not having anything to do but spend 48 million dollars. I am glad to see that this is his attitude about the situation though.
SMOKE A FREAKING.............. BOWL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Way to go Mo T!!!!! I will see you on the dark side of the moon!
Apparently the 3rd time is not a charm. I heard something else today that some of you who are more familiar with the NBA rules might know... Someone who I trust said this was actually the THIRD time Mo tested positive for pot. Apparently, with pot, the NBA doesn't slap a 5 game suspension on you until the 3rd time. With steriods, I was told, you are immediately suspended for 5 games. For harder drugs like cocaine the league bans you for at least a season. I'm still checking in to this. Old School
Dear MoT, I don't care if you smoke dope. In fact, most people don't give a damn about pot. Some of the best and smartest people I've ever known were dedicated pot heads. What we as fans DO care about however, is our team. As a fan, I say thank you for taking responsibility for your actions, but don't fu*k up our team. Peace and get well. And it wouldn't hurt if you'd grab some friggin' rebounds every once in awhile upon your return. Sincerely, Lynus302
I'm not sure this is the example he wanted to set for the kids sitting in the Mo Better Bunch section he buys for them. Old School
Here's more from Blinebury's article Saturday: Though the anti-drug policy does not call for a five-game suspension until a player has multiple "strikes," that does not mean Taylor tested positive before. It could mean he missed a scheduled appointment for an annual drug test. It could mean a number of things. "It never happened before," Taylor insisted.
What gets me is Mo taling about how he's gonna mentor the young guys when he's actually younger than me.
I do not think this is such a big deal. It is very honorable of him to behave in a humble manner. If he handles this with the class he has shown so far, his stock goes up. I hope for him it does. I hope he comes back next year with something to prove. Defense, Rebounding -blocking shots. playing with a vengeance!!!! Go Mo T. We are behind you and support you.
I really thought he matured this past summer. He really seemed dedicated. He said all the right things. "I want to be leader. Help the young players." I became a fan of his when I saw him crying when they interviewed him after his injury. I really felt empathetic. I heard that he was busting his arse this past summer and I thought this was going to be his breakout year. After all he was still young. AND THEN THIS HAPPENED. Again he is saying the right things. I wish the best for him. HE IS GOING TO HAVE TO PROVE IT TO ME THIS TIME. I AM NOT TAKING HIS WORD FOR IT.
Not only was he out of shape all last yr, now this. We're really hoping for a guy to come through after having a serious injury. This is a hard injury to come back from as far as atheletically. Check the records, guys normally come back slower and less explosive after a achilles injury. It jdoesn't look good for the Rockets investment.
I thought that was really cool of Fran Blinberry to right that front page article explaining Mo's situation. He said a lot of good things about Maurice Taylor considering the circumstances. That was pretty cool of him. I assume Mo would not have taken that risk if he wasn't injured and away from the team. Anyways, Mo Taylors young and we alll screw up every now and then. He'll rebound from this thing and be fine.
