Hey Kids....Cheaters win, not once, but twice!!!

The Associated Press announced the results of the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year re-vote today.  For those who didn't hear, they had to have a re-vote, because of the news that surfaced this past week about Brian Cushing, last year's winner.  Apparently Cushing tested positive for an illegal substance back in September of his rookie season, but because of his appeal and the process that was involved, Cushing was able to play his entire rookie season.  Cushing will now be suspended for the first four games of the coming season after losing his appeal. 

Cushing was found to have tested positive for HCG.  This is a new one to me, but apparently it is a drug one would take after taking anabolic steroids to stimulate the body's testosterone production.  See this article from ESPN for more info:  Cushing test flagged for HCG.

Based on this the AP decided that it was only fair to hold a re-vote for the award since Cushing conceivably received some sort of advantage from taking the HCG and possibly, by association, anabolic steroids.  A total of 50 members of the press have a vote in this (i.e. Chris Mortenson - ESPN and Peter King - Sports Illustrated).  Cushing received an overwhelming 39 of 50 votes on the original ballot with Jairus Byrd (6), Clay Matthews III (3), and Brian Orakpo (2) receiving the remaining votes.

Initially when I heard about this I commended the AP for holding a re-vote.  I thought it was a good opportunity to show accountability for one's mistakes to the youth of America.  I figured that with the way baseball players are vilified for taking steroids that the same would go for members of the NFL.  I was so wrong.

After the re-vote your new (and old) NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year is......Brian Cushing.  Though the voting was closer, Cushing still won the award by receiving 18 votes.  Byrd finished in second (13), followed by Matthews (12), Orakpo (3), and James Laurinitis (1).  Two voters abstained and one was not available.  I commend the 21 voters who changed their minds, but am stunned by the 18 who voted for a guy who broke the rules.  Did he gain an advantage from taking the drugs?  Who knows, but the fact remains that we just told America's youth that even if you cheat AND get caught, you can win not just once, but TWICE!