AP To Revote Defensive Rookie Of The Year

By Justin Worsley

The Associated Press has announced that they will revote on the award for Defensive Rookie of the Year after winner Houston Texans linebacker Brian Cushing received a four-game suspension for testing positive for taking a performance-enhancing drug.

Cushing, who received 39 of the 50 votes by sportswriters across America, will still be included on the list. Buffalo safety Jarius Byrd finished second with six votes.

Cushing, who claims he took a "nonsteroidal" substance, failed the test in September and lost his appeal last week. The former USC standout has battled claims of steroid use since playing high school at Bergen Catholic in New Jersey.

Cushing made 133 tackled for Houston last season, helping pave the way for the franchise's first winning season. He will be suspended without pay.

Texans owner Robert McNair has criticized the NFL rulings, stating that clubs are left "out of the loop."

"We're not even notified, it's the league and the players and the player's union," McNair said. "All we know is what's been announced at this point in time."

Cushing will also be ineligible for next season's Pro Bowl as well as any post-season awards by the NFL. Cushing was named to the Pro Bowl team last season, however, did not play, citing several injuries.

Cushing will be allowed to participate in off-season and preseason workouts, but must leave the team for the first four weeks of the regular season. The earliest he can return is on Oct. 4. Cushing will be able to make his season debut against the New York Giants.

Along with his 133 tackles, Cushing also recorded five sacks, four interception and two forced fumbles.

Two other Defensive Rookie of the Year winners have also faced suspension for using a banned substance. In 2002, former Carolina defensive end Julius Peppers won the award despite being suspended for the final four games of the season for using a dietary supplement that contained a banned substance. In 2006, San Deigo linebacker Shawne Merriman tested positive for steroids contained in a suppliment. Merriman won the award a year earlier.