Denver Broncos starting punter Todd Sauerbrun will be suspended for the first month of the season after testing positive for the supplement ephedra, which is banned in the National Football League. The suspension has not been officially announced yet by the NFL. Also, it is assumed that any appeal that Sauerbrun makes will be denied.
Sauerbrun, a 12-year veteran, will still be able to attend training camp on July 28th. He will also be allowed to play in the preseason. The suspension will cost him $328,000 in salary next season for the first four games. He joined the Broncos last season after playing for the Carolina Panthers the year before. He averaged 43.8 yards-per-punt during the season.
Popular Broncos kicker Jason Elam will miss his special teams partner during the first few games.
"He's fun to be around," Elam said. "Hopefully, something will happen on his appeal because he's a difference-maker. If not, we'll all have to pick up the slack until he gets back."
According to head coach Mike Shanahan, the Broncos will not sign any more free agents to compete for the temporary starting job until Sauerbrun comes back. At the moment, second-year pro Paul Ernster would seem to have the advantage, although punters Jeff Williams and Tyler Fredrickson will also be in training camp.
"We've got some competition," Shanahan said. "Like I said, we're just going to wait and see. After we find out what the situation is, then I'll address it."
After Sauerbrun's case, many players, including Elam, are concerned about that they take due to the increased severity of league rules.
"I'm just pretty paranoid myself to take anything, even eat my dinner," Elam said. "You know, I understand what the NFL's trying to do, they're trying to make the playing field equal all the way around. I understand. It's just unfortunate when it happens to one of your teammates, to one of your friends."
There is no indication whatsoever that Sauerbrun would be cut as a result of this suspension.