Sauerbrun suspended for 4 games

0 Comments | Gazette, The (Colorado Springs), Jul 7, 2006 | by FRANK SCHWAB THE GAZETTE

Denver Broncos punter Todd Sauerbrun will be suspended for the first four games of the season for violating the NFL's policy on anabolic steroids and related substances.

A source, who wished to remain anonymous because the suspension has not been formally announced, confirmed Sauerbrun will be suspended. The suspension was first reported by the Web site ProFootballTalk.com. The source confirmed the site's report that Sauerbrun tested positive for ephedra.

The NFL banned ephedra -- a stimulant -- in 2001 shortly after Minnesota Vikings offensive lineman Korey Stringer died of heatstroke after a

practice. Vikings attorneys argued that ephedra contributed to Stringer's heatstroke, according to The Associated Press.

Sauerbrun, who has had off-the-field problems, came to the Broncos last season in a trade with the Carolina Panthers. In March 2005, a CBS "60 Minutes Wednesday" report said Sauerbrun and former Panthers teammates Jeff Mitchell and Todd Steussie had steroid prescriptions filled by a doctor in South Carolina.

Last December, Sauerbrun was arrested and charged with driving while impaired, according to AP.

This is Sauerbrun's first NFL suspension.

A Broncos spokesman said Thursday night the team had no comment. Sauerbrun was at minicamp Thursday and will continue to practice until the start of the season.

The team could try to find a veteran to replace Sauerbrun during the suspension, or use rookie Jeff Williams or second-year player Paul Ernster at punter.

Sauerbrun ranked eighth in the NFL last season with a 43.8-yard average. He was credited with helping Denver's special teams improve from a poor showing in 2004.

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