This Randy Gregory news should make Cowboys fans furious!
More bad news follows the announcement that Dallas Cowboys defensive end Randy Gregory is finally getting help for his drug issues.
Earlier this year, the Dallas Cowboys received potentially devastating news when it came to two of their primary defenders. Defensive ends DeMarcus Lawrence and Randy Gregory were suspended by the league for the first four games of the season after both violated the NFL’s substance abuse policy.
Last month, more bad news was levied against the Cowboys as starting middle linebacker Rolando McClain was suspended a whopping 10-games this season following his continued violations of the league’s same drug policy.
Although these three defenders are scheduled to miss portions of the upcoming season, all were expected to participate in the team’s upcoming practices and preseason. Now, a mere four-days prior to the start of training camp, more devastation news has been dropped on the Cowboys doorstep.
According to ESPN Reporter Ed Werder, Gregory has elected to enter himself into a treatment facility in order to finally get help for his obvious drug-related issues.
Sources: Cowboys pass-rusher Randy Gregory has checked into treatment facility, won't report to training camp. Already suspended
— Ed Werder (@WerderEdESPN) July 26, 2016
The second-year defender has failed four drug tests in less than a year. So Gregory obviously has a problem that he is now admitting he needs help with. But it’s the timing of the decision that is curious.
Gregory has had nearly a month of time off since the Cowboys last mini-camp to have made this move. Doing so now means he’ll miss a portion of training camp or even more.
ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter appears to have the answer. According to the longtime reporter, Gregory has failed yet another drug test and is facing a longer suspension than his original four-game ban.
Randy Gregory had another violation of NFL’s substance abuse policy and is now facing a longer suspension, sources tell @toddarcher and me.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 26, 2016
This is terrible news for the Cowboys and it’s fans. Gregory has been a pass rushing savant in practices and showed a lot of potential last preseason when he recorded 3.0 sacks in three games. But a high ankle injury Gregory suffered in Week One against the New York Giants hobbled the second round pick out of Nebraska and robbed him of his rookie campaign. Fans were hoping for a breakout season from him in 2016. Now it appears Gregory is possibly on a Johnny Manziel-type path of self destruction.
My understanding of Randy Gregory's coming suspension is its for 10 games, at least. There is concern on #Cowboys that he may not play again
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 26, 2016
Although not yet official, it’s a good bet Gregory will receive a 10-game ban for his latest failed drug violation. If he fails yet another drug test, he could be facing a year-long suspension. The pass rusher is heading down a very dangerous road. And at some point, the Cowboys may decide to get off altogether.
Next: Cowboys suspensions offer opportunity wrapped in uncertainty
Until then, the Cowboys and it’s fans must hope Gregory gets the help he needs in treatment. His entire NFL story isn’t written yet and he can still turn his career around. But Gregory is quickly running out of time to do so.