Another Charger using steroids "Stimulant"

[Punisher]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3348671
SAN DIEGO -- Chargers inside linebacker Stephen Cooper was suspended for four games by the NFL on Tuesday for testing positive for a banned stimulant.

Stephen Cooper

Cooper

Cooper, who moved into the starting lineup last season and led the Chargers with 179 tackles, said in a statement released by the team that he took a stimulant that was recently added to the NFL's list of prohibited substances.

"I regret that I mistakenly took a stimulant that I did not realize at the time was banned by the NFL," Cooper said. "I support the NFL's anti-doping policies, and understand that I must serve a suspension even though the stimulant that I took was not used before any game and was not used to enhance my performance.

"I apologize to the NFL, my team, my coaches and to my fans, and I look forward to continuing to help the Chargers toward our goal of winning the Super Bowl in the upcoming season."

Neither Cooper nor his agent could immediately be reached for further comment.

While at Maine, Cooper admitted to possession of steroids after being found with about 1,000 pills in his duffel bag when the driver of an SUV he was riding in was stopped for speeding in 2002.

Cooper, who pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor drug charge, said at the time that he never took the steroids, but had been planning to use them to bulk up in hopes of making the NFL.

It's the second time since 2006 a Chargers linebacker has been suspended for violating the league's substance abuse policy. Star outside linebacker Shawne Merriman served a four-game suspension in 2006 after testing positive for steroids.

General manager A.J. Smith said the suspension was "very disappointing."

"Coop has embarrassed himself, his family and the Chargers," Smith told The Associated Press. "He made a mistake. Some people learn from their mistakes, others do not. I do believe Stephen Cooper will learn from his and in a positive way. Only time will tell."

Smith said he didn't know what stimulant Cooper tested positive for.

Cooper's suspension begins on Saturday, Aug. 30 following the Chargers' final exhibition game. He is eligible to return to the active roster on Monday, Sept. 29 following the team's Sunday game against the Oakland Raiders.

Cooper can participate in the team's offseason program and in all preseason practices and games.

"Obviously we're disappointed, just as I know Stephen is," coach Norv Turner said in a statement. "Coop made a mistake and now must deal with the consequences. It's unfortunate, but we'll deal with it and move on."

[CBF1]

Stimulant vs Steriod is a huge difference

[Punisher]

Originally Posted by CBF1

Stimulant vs Steriod is a huge difference

Stimulant or steroids this guy is a Juice head and he should be banned from the NFL

[Calif. Bronco]

While part of me is happy he won't be playing against us, the bigger part of me is pissed - this just gives those cowards yet another lame excuse to turn to when we take it to them in week 2 (any doubt that King Coward Rivers will bring it up in his postgame press conference?)

[Florida_Bronco]

Not surprised at all.

[400HZ]

Anthony Waters come on down.

[Northman]

After Merriman im not surprised.

[Punisher]

Originally Posted by 400HZ

Anthony Waters come on down.

So I see your team has a bunch of Cheaters on it... but besides that how ya been?

[wolf754life]

I don't think charger fans can defend this one, the guy seemingly came out of nowhere last year to become a major force down the stretch for them. He had an amazing game against INDY and everyone was scratching their heads wondering who this guy was...........

the chargers are quickly becoming a sick joke for the steroids issue in the nfl.... castillo, merriman, now cooper, rodney harrison (although it was with NE) and you can't tell me Olshansky isn't on them when he flips out on Tommy Nails>......................

[400HZ]

Originally Posted by wolf754life

I don't think charger fans can defend this one, the guy seemingly came out of nowhere last year to become a major force down the stretch for them. He had an amazing game against INDY and everyone was scratching their heads wondering who this guy was...........

the chargers are quickly becoming a sick joke for the steroids issue in the nfl.... castillo, merriman, now cooper, rodney harrison (although it was with NE) and you can't tell me Olshansky isn't on them when he flips out on Tommy Nails>......................

Steroids are a stimulant now, huh? He probably popped for ephedra- same as your old punter who Broncoland welcomed back with open arms.

[Broncos123]

Cheaters

[Bronco Jamus]

Either way 400, he had intent to use them and admitted so. I thought the Chargers were because of talent and strength, now, not so much.

[400HZ]

Originally Posted by Bronco Jamus

Either way 400, he had intent to use them and admitted so. I thought the Chargers were because of talent and strength, now, not so much.

Absolutely stupid move by Cooper, but before you slap that martyr card down, why don't you tally up the PED suspensions handed down between our two teams.

Hint: it's a tie over the last two seasons. That's a pretty weak avenue to try and explain the talent disparity from.

[ohiobronco2]

Originally Posted by 400HZ

Absolutely stupid move by Cooper, but before you slap that martyr card down, why don't you tally up the PED suspensions handed down between our two teams.

Hint: it's a tie over the last two seasons. That's a pretty weak avenue to try and explain the talent disparity from.

I'm not going to disagree, but I would like the complete list. I don't remember too many Broncos getting in trouble other than Saubraun for using banned substances. I'm not talking about drug use, I'm talking about using drugs which give one a competitive advantage. This doesn't explain why the Chargers are superior to the Broncos, but it is clearly a black eye for the franchise.

[sixtimeseight]

Steroids are a stimulant now, huh?

Cooper admitted to possession of steroids after being found with about 1,000 pills in his duffel bag

Nope, steroids are steroids now. If it walks like a duck, talks like a duck, etc.... Wonder if he got em from Sterriman?

[oubronco]

who fuggin cares

[Jason in LA]

I was willing to cut the guy some slack when the story said that he took a stimulant that was recently added to the list. I can see how that can be an honest mistake. But then the article stated that he was caught with roids in college. I changed my stance on this guy. He's a cheater and I wouldn't be shocked if he was on some stuff that's on the banned list.

[400HZ]

Originally Posted by Jason in LA

I was willing to cut the guy some slack when the story said that he took a stimulant that was recently added to the list. I can see how that can be an honest mistake. But then the article stated that he was caught with roids in college. I changed my stance on this guy. He's a cheater and I wouldn't be shocked if he was on some stuff that's on the banned list.

If he tested positive for ephedra, as was initally reported, then there isn't any real reason to cut him slack for it, considering it's an FDA banned substance. It was recently added to the list...seven years ago.

[kamakazi_kal]

regardless of stimulant or steroid........ this is good for denver.
I think the division will come down to winning both games or holding the tiebreaker vs. san diego so one less starting linebacker for a few games can only help

[oubronco]

Originally Posted by kamakazi_kal

regardless of stimulant or steroid........ this is good for denver.
I think the division will come down to winning both games or holding the tiebreaker vs. san diego so one less starting linebacker for a few games can only help

You are a very optimistical one aren't you

[Savage Lizard]

Originally Posted by Broncos123

Cheaters

Broncos fans calling people cheaters...PRICELESS!

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn...2004Sep17.html

[sixtimeseight]

lol...

And you are...?

[Savage Lizard]

Originally Posted by sixtimeseight

lol...

And you are...?

I am the dude pointing out that the Broncos have been caught and penalized for cheating, thus their fans railing on others for cheating is kind of silly.

Did that help?

[Atwater His Ass]

Originally Posted by Savage Lizard

Broncos fans calling people cheaters...PRICELESS!

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn...2004Sep17.html

Do you understand the term "competitive advantage"?

And maybe you could grow some balls and post with your real account.

[Savage Lizard]

Originally Posted by Atwater His Ass

Do you understand the term "competitive advantage"?

And maybe you could grow some balls and post with your real account.

My balls are fine, and this is my real account.