Drugs Drop Doug Martin
December 28th, 2016
Suspended
UPDATED 4:37 p.m. – STATEMENT FROM BUCCANEERS RB DOUG MARTIN:
“I was notified last week of a four-game suspension for violating the league’s drug policy. My initial instinct was to appeal the suspension and finish the season with my teammates. However, after numerous discussions with people close to me – including Coach Koetter – I am starting the suspension immediately so I can enter a treatment facility and receive the help I truly need.
“On the field, I must be strong and determined to push through both pain and injuries to become an elite NFL running back. Off the field, I have tried that same approach in my personal life. My shortcomings in this area have taught me both that I cannot win these personal battles alone and that there is no shame in asking for help.
“I sincerely apologize to the Glazer family, General Manager Jason Licht and the entire Tampa Bay organization, my teammates and our tremendous fans. This was not the season I envisioned and I have let everyone down, including myself. However, adversity yields opportunity and I ask for your support in my battle to overcome these personal issues.”
STATEMENT FROM BUCCANEERS GENERAL MANAGER JASON LICHT:
“Doug has been a valued member of our organization for the past five seasons and we respect and support his decision to seek help. Right now, he is working through issues that are much larger than the game of football. Our primary concern is that he takes this time to focus on getting the help that he needs in order to move forward with his personal and professional life.”
Sadly, Joe isn’t stunned. There have been rumors about Martin and a drug problem in past years. And as Joe wrote early this morning, Martin hanging out socially with Austin Seferian-Jenkins less than two weeks before ASJ was arrested and cut represented a red flag to Joe.
It’s interesting that Martin believes he has a problem and is getting professional help. If he, say, screwed up at a party three months ago, then he likely wouldn’t “enter a treatment facility.”
Joe hopes Martin gets the help he needs.
As a suspended player, he can come back for the team’s offseason, which begins the third week in April, and play through the preseason.
It appears he would have to miss the first three games of 2017 — no matter what team he plays for.
December 28th, 2016 at 4:33 pm
Hey hope he gets better first step to recovery is admitting u have a problem
December 28th, 2016 at 4:34 pm
I am pretty sure that the Buc’s can avoid paying him his guaranteed $7mil.
December 28th, 2016 at 4:35 pm
Good luck Doug. We are behind you and proud of you for manning up and seeking help.
December 28th, 2016 at 4:35 pm
Doug go get the help you need. I as a fan support you and your decision to seek help. Good luck young man hopefully you come back strong next year. Your already jumping over the hurdle in your life but don’t stop running he race big man. Much love.
December 28th, 2016 at 4:35 pm
funny how everyone thought dirk was puttin martin under the bucs but if anything he was covering for his player i respect it
December 28th, 2016 at 4:36 pm
Stay strong Doug, we are pulling for you! Bucs family has to come together and support our brother rather than bring him down. Get better on life first, then come back to the field with a vengeance. This is more than just football now.
December 28th, 2016 at 4:37 pm
I’ve been hard on him this year but wish nothing but the best for him. Good luck Dougie. Hope this isn’t the last we hear from you!!
December 28th, 2016 at 4:37 pm
Disappointing. Dude got paid and then did this. I knew last year was a fluke. Wish him the best but the Bucs need to move on. Contract year was all it was. Three seasons out of five the guy did not hit 500 yds. Not dependable.
December 28th, 2016 at 4:37 pm
He wanted a new nickname – The Druggernaught – I can’t take credit for that. It’s already on PFT
December 28th, 2016 at 4:37 pm
“Doug Martin is a no good POS!” JR Sweezy
December 28th, 2016 at 4:38 pm
he killed our playoff run and i do not ever want to see his face again
December 28th, 2016 at 4:38 pm
Guarantees for his salary have disappeared. The BUCS are not on the hook for this guy. They can move on or wait and see how he recovers. He got paid and did not do his job. We don’t need this in Tampa.
December 28th, 2016 at 4:39 pm
If it was pot, he would not need rehab. This must be painkillers. He probably got addicted while injured.
That said, it is a clear violation of the contractual good behavior clause. Does that mean they can get out of paying him?
December 28th, 2016 at 4:39 pm
This has been a bad year for “No Biscuit” Licht.
Licht voided Martin’s 5th year option, so he breaks out in year 4, then Licht signs him to a big-money deal only to watch him turn into a pumpkin in year 5. Does anyone this Dougie would be getting 7 mil guaranteed next year off this season? Well, at least we have our kicker of the future…
December 28th, 2016 at 4:40 pm
Good luck Doug, Get well. I’ll still wear your jersey.
December 28th, 2016 at 4:40 pm
There is no team that will trade for him at this point. Not going to happen. It’s too bad he didn’t accept the suspension last week.
December 28th, 2016 at 4:41 pm
Bucs showed class and waited for Doug to make his own statement..Now let’s get him the help he needs and the Bucs can send a message out that if you need help, get it and don’t wait..then we can have Doug back for 2017 and produce like the 2015 season.
Go Doug! Get well!!!
Go Bucs!
December 28th, 2016 at 4:41 pm
Rappaport is claiming that a source told him it’s Adderall.
December 28th, 2016 at 4:41 pm
@BucDaddy82
I would like to see a source of information regarding them not having to pay him. Since the Bucs do not reveal contracts, how do we even know such a clause was in his?
I’m not saying you are wrong. I just think we need more information before making such an assumption.
December 28th, 2016 at 4:41 pm
A few facts and answers about this.
Under the current substance-abuse policy, multiple violations precede the violation that results in a four-game suspension. Meaning this is not the first time he failed a drug test but likely the 2nd or 3rd time. He’ll also be one violation away from a 10-game suspension and two away from a banishment with the ability to apply for reinstatement after a year. It also means that the guarantees applicable to Martin’s 2017 salary have disappeared, making it easy for the team to avoid paying him $7 million next year.
December 28th, 2016 at 4:44 pm
Well, don’t I look like an idiot! Apologies to Joe, Koetter, and every one I mocked. I certainly never thought drugs were the case, but guess I need to let the story come out before casting stones. Very disappointed after trying to defend him all year.
December 28th, 2016 at 4:44 pm
First suspension IS a 4 game suspension, 2002bucglory. Which is why Kwon got hit for 4 games when he violated by accident.
December 28th, 2016 at 4:44 pm
Bonsai the guarantee in this situation is voided. Standard in NFL contracts. Unless his agent had it changed. But he won’t lose it unless the bucs make that call. Odds are maybe they make him restructure which is fair.
December 28th, 2016 at 4:45 pm
lightningbuc, I sort of suspected, but I didn’t want to be one of those guys who guesses publicly. It was pure luck that I was on the right track.
December 28th, 2016 at 4:46 pm
First is not a 4 game. This is something I know. Sorry facts are facts look it up if you doubt me.
Here is the NFL’s current schedule of penalties for marijuana positives. If it was applied correctly, it serves as a road map, in effect, for how Williams ended up with a four-game suspension:
1. First violation: Referral to a substance-abuse program.
2. Second violation: Fine equivalent to two game checks. (The player’s NFL team isn’t necessarily informed, as the punishment does not affect playing time).
3. Third violation: Fine equivalent to four game checks. (Again, the team isn’t necessarily informed).
4. Fourth violation: Four-game suspension.
5. Fifth violation: 10-game suspension.
6. Sixth violation: One-year banishment.
December 28th, 2016 at 4:47 pm
I think they need to release him. He isn’t exactly getting younger…and if this allows them to do so without a cap hit, then they need to do just that.
Too big a risk that the issue will come along again.
December 28th, 2016 at 4:47 pm
This is from an article but it is all similar unless you believe each drug has its own policy which I doubt.
December 28th, 2016 at 4:47 pm
PFT says the guarantees to his 2017 contract have disappeared due to the suspension, which answers my question from another post, so the Bucs don’t have to pay him.
I hope he recovers from this and gets his act together. He’ll probably have to renegotiate for for a better deal for the Bucs if they are going to take a chance on him next year.
December 28th, 2016 at 4:48 pm
Very sad. I wish him well in his recovery. Not sure if it’s in the teams best interest to have him back or not, but there will be plenty of time this offseason to figure that out.
December 28th, 2016 at 4:48 pm
damn…..sad day….bro was right…..GO BUCS!!!!
December 28th, 2016 at 4:49 pm
Exact policy can be found here. Kwon was performance enhancing which is a separate policy.
https://nflpaweb.blob.core.windows.net/media/Default/PDFs/Active%20Players/Drug_SOA_Policy_9-29-14.pdf
December 28th, 2016 at 4:50 pm
Just another mediocre bad character dirt bag bucs fans fell in love with….
Thankfully his unreliable ass is gone. Loser
December 28th, 2016 at 4:51 pm
What is the banned substance exactly? Why the secrecy? The secret non revealing. Why is the disastrous fake war on drugs running roughshod over NFL players?
December 28th, 2016 at 4:51 pm
@chickster…. how did he kill our playoff run? lmao
Quiz actually played better than Doug did. You guys crucifying the guy need to calm down. You’re acting like he’s a woman beater.
The dude made a mistake and deserves a second shot. He’s genuinely a good guy and a vital piece to our offense. Obviously, he had some other things interfere with his mentality this season.
We need to give him another shot and I am confident he’s smart enough to learn from this and have a great 2017 season.
December 28th, 2016 at 4:52 pm
Drugs… adderall… really? Isn’t everyone under 30 on adderall? There is no “rehab” there is just don’t take it. It’s a stupid that it’s banned, and it’s equally stupid that he was taking it knowing it was banned. To me this is a lot more of a misjustice than pot still being banned – although if you’re not a not a moron you’re only tested once a year for pot and if you can’t pass a test you know is upcoming and you know the date for, you’re probably a world class idiot.
December 28th, 2016 at 4:53 pm
If you think it’s just adderall and he checked into rehab I sadly think your being possibly misled
December 28th, 2016 at 4:53 pm
@2002bucfan it wasnt subtance abuse it was ped policy
December 28th, 2016 at 4:54 pm
It’s not sad. The loser made a CHOICE to screw the fans and his teammates. You bleeding heart fools are laughable
December 28th, 2016 at 4:54 pm
prolly coke booze and adderall they go hand in hand
December 28th, 2016 at 4:58 pm
Well if it’s not just adderall then what else is it? Just say allegedly then whatever it is and you’re saying allegedly and not it as a fact. Doug just doesn’t seem like the type of guy that is all drugged out other than his eyes looking like he just smoked pot and he’s quite happy. Heck prior to 25 I’d do anything I could get my hands on, it’s part of being young is doing stupid things – but you should stop at 25 and he’s 27 now.
December 28th, 2016 at 5:01 pm
Dave, going by martins statement and checking into treatment this is odd. It has been clarified as PED which is different in number of violations, etc. but someone tell honestly which PED would require you to state publicly you are entering a treatment program for a problem you can’t control? Something is weird here…….
December 28th, 2016 at 5:03 pm
So it sounds like painkillers from what doug said. But players use pain killers on a daily basis. Unless he was not prescibed, but with a team doc handing them out like candy i find that hard to believe.
So it must have been some testosterone or HGH type treatment he was getting. And then must have got hooked. Otherwise what would you need to go to rehab for.
Perhaps this is why doug has not been his regular self. And was likely the real reason he was benched last week.
December 28th, 2016 at 5:05 pm
Sure Adderall isn’t code for coke? Freeman Adderall addiction has kept him out of the league for 5 years
December 28th, 2016 at 5:07 pm
And there’s tmax to knock a dude down. What very little respect I had for you has gone out the window. Heaven forbid you’ve never done anything remotely wrong. Get off your high horse pal. I can bet you’re no winner in life as well, bud.
December 28th, 2016 at 5:07 pm
Team doctors subscribe usually things you are allowed to take. Unless they are shady. I will assume they are not until I see evidence to put into doubt. Trubucfan I think your right. But I also wonder was maybe he on it last year and that’s why he was so good. Then maybe he got off it and played worse this year and got back on it when he had the hammy issue and just got popped for it. Would explain his play.
December 28th, 2016 at 5:08 pm
@tmaxcon
Half the stuff you say on a consistent basis is laughable….
December 28th, 2016 at 5:09 pm
All these assumptions are funny…. Bottom line is the unreliable dirt bag made a CHOICE to let his teammates down. Just another horrible signing
December 28th, 2016 at 5:10 pm
Tmax is all heart, 24 k gold plated
December 28th, 2016 at 5:11 pm
Probably Tmax is originally from Philly, only fans who boo HOF third base man’s kids and Santa Claus
December 28th, 2016 at 5:14 pm
NFL says Martin took PEDs http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2016/12/28/nfl-doug-martin-was-suspended-for-ped-violation/
December 28th, 2016 at 5:15 pm
Eric
But very very accurate.
Personal responsibility used to matter now all the bleeding heart losesers label every bad personal choice a disease and make excuses to justify a bad choice.
December 28th, 2016 at 5:16 pm
Peyton Barber is our new Doug Martin (pre-drugs).
Jaquizz Rodgers, Peyton Barber, and ….. Maybe Dalvin Cook in the draft?
December 28th, 2016 at 5:16 pm
Most of your comments are funny… Bottom line is you’re labeling Doug Martin a “dirtbag” because he most likely smoked marijuana while you prepare to blackout for the New Year.
I honestly don’t respect anyone on the internet that trashes athletes who have accomplished more in one game than some have their entire lives.
You’re a keyboard wannabe warrior of which most humans would respect less than the guy you are bashing.
December 28th, 2016 at 5:20 pm
get better and come back dougie!!!
December 28th, 2016 at 5:23 pm
Eric
Nice assumptions dumbass.
December 28th, 2016 at 5:26 pm
Le’Veon Bell is a free agent going into next year, but he’s been suspended twice already.
December 28th, 2016 at 5:33 pm
tmaxcon
LOL okay. Have fun on the internet all day trashing more successful people than yourself.
Oh and it’s “Nice assumptions, dumbass.”
Irony and hypocrisy at it’s finest.
December 28th, 2016 at 5:34 pm
Its been out there for awhile…..Its why the Bucs treated Martin the same way they did Freeman with a “prove it” season. Lots of potential but cant stay focused. These teams do there homework when it comes to paying these guys millions of dollars and branding them with the franchise. Kudos to Licht for structuring a deal that he can bail on next year if needed.
December 28th, 2016 at 5:38 pm
The only question is did Doug’s bad choice hurt the team and the answer is a YES anyway you look at it.
December 28th, 2016 at 5:40 pm
Sources are saying ‘adderall’…
JFree or his ‘medical advisors’ probably got him hooked on it…
Thanks, gentlemen.
December 28th, 2016 at 5:40 pm
Eric
Believe whatever you like sir. There is a reason I can spend all day on the Internet trashing losers. I already won… Now back to work young man.
December 28th, 2016 at 5:41 pm
Its usually only 14 year old future high school drop outs that get addicted to adderall.. Im not a fan. Get cut. What a baser.
December 28th, 2016 at 5:42 pm
And, Yes, Adderall is a hardcore drug.
It’s basically equivalent to crystal meth.
December 28th, 2016 at 5:43 pm
Seriously tho rehab for adderall? Anyone whos done any kind drugs knows thats some pathetic suff. If you can kick adderall for 7 mil guaranteed you deserve nothing. No money, no sympathy, no job. God what a moron.
December 28th, 2016 at 5:48 pm
Good luck Doug. Everybody seems to support him but I’ll bet the majority is fuming under their breath. Could have made the playoffs. This affected a great many people.
December 28th, 2016 at 5:49 pm
No Eric it did its probably been going on all year and his effort showed it early. punk nut
December 28th, 2016 at 6:00 pm
Remember Blount?
What’s he doing today?
December 28th, 2016 at 6:23 pm
Martin is going to be fine. He admits he has a drug problem and wants to be helped. That’s an important 1st step. Betcha the guy comes back next yr and tears up the league in yardage gain. Hang tough Doug. All will be well.
December 28th, 2016 at 6:29 pm
Last season it was Kwon, this season it’s Jude and Doug..oh boy
December 28th, 2016 at 6:34 pm
Why the hate for Doug? No one hated on Kwon last season.
December 28th, 2016 at 6:38 pm
tmax 1 Eric 0
December 28th, 2016 at 6:39 pm
@Chris Freeman’s adirale addiction was code for coke though. Along with other things I’m assuming that have kept him outta the league for 5 years.
December 28th, 2016 at 6:54 pm
Tmax can spend all day trolling others because he probably lives in a broken down mobile home (I’m guessing single wide) and probably living off the system… Sorry tmax, just my “assumptions.” I guess you’ve never had to live with someone who has a disease that’s hard to control.
December 28th, 2016 at 6:59 pm
Adderall is NOT equivalent to crystal meth. Not even close to the same thing. Google is your friend.
December 28th, 2016 at 7:06 pm
PED’s not weed or coke or pain pills. He pulled on the heart strings of all the fans.
Demons? He’s a dirtbag and I hope we never see him in a Buc uniform again.
Look at all the fools. His PR team did a number on a lot of gullible fans.
Embarrassing.
December 28th, 2016 at 7:51 pm
Man there are some heartless people here. Sure Doug Martin let the team down… Jameis threw interceptions on game tying drives two games in a row… Doug didnt throw those picks.
Adderal is essentially speed… Its similar to methamphetamine… Have u seen what meth does to people? I applaud Doug for seeking help. I hope he gets another chance.
December 28th, 2016 at 7:57 pm
Adderal is an amphetamines based drug similar to methamphetimine. Similar high, similar side effects. Addiction is possible. Do your homeworks. Ive done it, dont rag on the guy for seeking help. Wish him well. If u dont understand what its like to have an addiction problem then why do u talk down on ppl that do.
December 28th, 2016 at 8:36 pm
Well dam! Alright, get your sh!t together Doug and I wish you on a path to fast recovery. Live and learn young man. Good luck.
December 28th, 2016 at 9:34 pm
in normal does it is used for calming a hyperactive child down and allowing he or she to focus.I am betting these athletes are taking a lot more of it t5o adapt to game speed.
December 28th, 2016 at 10:27 pm
Brain hamster
December 28th, 2016 at 11:47 pm
Prayers go out to Doug, but on the “business” side of things the team should cut him, get out of any salary obligations and then re-sign him to a cheap one year “prove it” deal, period.
December 29th, 2016 at 9:09 am
LOL
If you consider wanting to spend all day on the internet trashing professional athletes as winning than enjoy… I guess.
Buc1987 if that deserved a point then somebody should consider being an NFL referee because that was lame buddy.
December 29th, 2016 at 9:58 am
My apologies for Dirk, I go from confident to very confident for not throwing him under the bus. Let’s get it right Doug and hopefully the Glazers, Licht and Dirk stand with you, cause I k ow Jameis will