Cowboys defensive end David Irving has officially been suspended for the first four games of the 2017 season after violating the league’s PED policy, the NFL announced today.
News that Irving had reportedly failed a drug test broke last month, but it was unclear what length of time Irving would be forced to miss. A positive test for a diuretic or masking agent without a banned substance detected calls for a two-game ban, while a positive result for an anabolic agent, however, would mean a four-game suspension. Despite indications that Irving may have been able to fight a four-game ban, the NFL has decided to give him the lengthier punishment.
Irving, 23, appeared in 15 games for Dallas last season and developed into a serviceable pass rusher, especially near the end of the year. All told, he managed four sacks and 17 tackles while grading as the league’s No. 29 interior defender, per Pro Football Focus. Now, Irving’s 500+ defensive snaps are likely to go other defenders — such as first-round pick Taco Charlton — for the first quarter of the season.
Given that he’s set to earn $615K next year, Irving will lose roughly $145K in base salary as a result of this suspension. He’ll be allowed to participate in all Cowboys offseason activities and preseason games.
This stuff is maddening. The Cowboys seem to have no accountability. A weak defense that seems to have players suspended way too often. Absurd.
This suspension is a joke. He was mislead by the manufacturer and he is now paying the price. I would sue for the 145k.
The fact that he has a marketing deal with this manufacture is the real joke.
The DE position in Dallas is LIT! Lol. I don’t understand. It’s not the early nineties anymore guys.
Typical Cowgirls…… can’t win without a defense…… still most overrated team
And yet the Cowboys won 13 games after you spewed nonsense about the defense all last offseason on this site.
With Tony Romo injured
I’m so tired of NFL players getting banned. As bad as the punishments are, I find it hard to believe that they’re trying to skirt the system. Clearly the NFL has a gray policy.