Anderson to miss 2003?

Anderson likely out for 2003 season
Former No. 1 pick still under suspension for substance abuse
STAN OLSON
Staff Writer

With training camp less than two weeks away, it appears that cornerback Rashard Anderson will not be with the Carolina Panthers again this season.

Anderson, who missed all of the 2002 season after being suspended by the NFL for violating its substance-abuse policy, has not been reinstated by the league, his agent, Ben Wilson, said Monday.

A decision on the issue had been expected by mid-May, after Anderson met with NFL physicians.

"Rashard has not been reinstated, and we think it's going to be awhile," Wilson said Monday afternoon. "We're going to have to be patient."

NFL spokesman Michael Signora confirmed that Anderson remains under suspension, adding that the league would have no comment because of the confidentiality rules that apply to the situation.

Wilson would not discuss what might have prompted the NFL to delay Anderson's reinstatement. Scenarios that could lead to such a delay include problems with the player's aftercare program or another positive drug test

"Obviously, we have to wait until they're satisfied," Wilson said. "We have to be ready when the league makes a decision."

The Panthers are also waiting.

"We've had no contact recently with anybody -- Ben Wilson or the NFL -- concerning Rashard," said Carolina general manager Marty Hurney.

Anderson, the Panthers' first-round draft choice in 2000, began his suspension in May 2002. He likely would have been out for much of the year anyway after April surgery for a bulging disc in his neck.

While under suspension, Anderson counts for $566,000 annually against the salary cap, but does not get paid. When and if the suspension is lifted, that figure would rise to $1.2 million.

Anderson will have two years left on his contract whenever he returns. He is one of the league's bigger corners at 6-foot-2 and 205 pounds. He has recovered completely from the neck surgery, according to Wilson. After playing sparingly as a rookie, Anderson started nine games in 2001, making 43 solo tackles, intercepting one pass and returning a fumble 94 yards for a touchdown.

 

wonder what the hold up is?

 

He likely is still on drugs and tested positive again. He is done here. I'd cut the guy loose and move on.

 

agree....what did he test positive for again?

 

I don't have a source, only guessing. I don't think the NFL is allowed to release stuff like that.

Hopefully he'll be the last 1st round bust we have for a while.
I remember cussing when they picked him with Keith Bullock on da board anyway. Anderson had talent - but Bullock was clearly the best on the board and we needed a LB.

Whatever.

 

the alcohol probably did him in

 

Yup. Bullock instead of Anderson – Portis instead of Foster – George instead of B’tuka – Holiday instead of Peter . . .
Who else?

 

Blower instead of Rake

 

:laughter: Good one. However, as a “blower” you’re more than qualified to replace me any ol’ time riddel.)

 

Just in case anyone's wondering...

His salary is pushed back until he's re-instated, we do however have to account for his pro-rated signing bonus $666K as a cap hit. If he's re-instated for next season and some how manages to still be a Panther, he will be payed his 2002 salary.