Report: Brandon Marshall Could Miss 4-8 Games

by John Bena on Jul 25, 2008 12:37 AM MDT in Broncos In Trouble With The Law Comment 18 comments

Many people long for the days when Adam Schefter was on the Broncos beat. He always seemed to have the scoop, always had his hand on the pulse of the Broncos.

This time, we hope he's wrong.

In Schefter's report on Brandon Marshall's meeting with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell he states that Marshall is

"facing a 4-8 game suspension for a pattern of conduct the NFL does not approve".

He goes on the state the obvious,

"Losing Marshall for at least a quarter of the season would be a blow to the Broncos."

One thing to make clear. This is Schefter's opinion, and nowhere does he say that he has heard this from a source. He even suggests the NFL is still considering what to do with Marshall -

"But Marshall was arrested three times in the span of one year, though he has yet to be convicted. The league now is weighing whether it should suspend Marshall, and how long the suspension would be."

Schefter has always done a good job of "putting 2+2 together". He knows past history and how the NFL has handled similar cases. I am still on the 2-game suspension train, but is that wishful thinking? Needless to say, it could be an interesting couple of days in Denver for me if news of a prolonged suspension comes down next week.

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shefter

isnt dialed in as he wants to think

Case n point: nobody in the NFL has been suspended without at least one guilty verdict or plea. So if Goodell tried to suspend him w/out a guilty anything he will lose. BTW $^x%x Shefter he is part of th NFLN now, so I dont believe him

by broncfanstuckinsd on Jul 25, 2008 2:36 AM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Is the guy nuts?

Look around the NFL. Chris Henry-formerly of the Bengals-was caught multiple times for drugs (including, but not limited to Weed), was caught with under-aged girls, was caught for DUI, didn’t report arrasts to the team, etc, etc. Dude got 8 games.

I AM NOT Defending Marhshall. But compared to guys like Tank Johnson with his guns and probation violation, Pacman with his drugs, women and guards, and Chris Henry with drugs and underaged gils, Marshall is a pretty nice guy. There were guys drafted this past april who had been arrested for armed assult and theft … let’s get some prespective.

I think Marshall will get a game or two, because:
1 – Marshall had a fight with his dad-big deal.
2 – He is on trial for a DUI, not yet found guilty-well, by regular rules the first DUI is a warning and the second DUI gets you a 2 (or maybe 4) game suspention. Tank Johnson (formerly the Bears DT) got arrested for a DUI which was dismissed and the commish didn’t do anything about it-so if Marshall beats the DUI nothing will come of it.
3 – His only other issue, and the most important, is domestic violance. For one thing, it isn’t clear if he really beat the woman. Domestic violance laws are hard-if the woman makes a call you are going to jail, no matter what. There was a MLB player who was being abused by his wife and the cops jailed him. The trial is what cleared the situation.
4 – The bright side is that Marshall hasn’t had a pattern of abuse with women. In my mind 3 fights with 3 women is much worst than 10 fights with the same woman. The not-so-bright side is that the dude has obvious issues hanging on to a bad relationship for that long.

Go So Cal. I am the bigger one.

by amirebram on Jul 25, 2008 3:24 AM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Some thoughts

1. Schefter is decent, dialed in, and knowledgable. He isn’t the classic media airhead.

2. Schefter isn’t saying that Marshall will be suspended for four to eight games, he’s just saying that Marshall faces such a sanction.

3. And most importantly, believe it or not, the potential suspension isn’t as dark as it might sound. Here’s why…

Of course we want Marshall in the picture, and the loss of a starter has an impact. But the loss would be mitigated to an extent by the great depth we have at the position, as well as the safety-valve receivers we have at tight end and even with the backs catching out of the back field. Add in a healthy Cutler, and I think we get by with a terrific receiving group until Marshall would return and make it excellent.

"Greater is an army of sheep led by a lion, than an army of lions led by a sheep" Defoe

by Steve Nichols on Jul 25, 2008 5:11 AM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Marshall is staring at a suspension like this because of....

actions of people before him. Pacman Jones, Chris Henry, Tank Johnson…etc. The fact is Goodell wants to nip this before anything gets worse with him. 4-8 games is harsh, but I won’t be too shocked if that is what happens.

fader nation is a conquered nation

The creator of the following names:

conquered fader nation
Phyllis and his merry men

by mdierk on Jul 25, 2008 6:53 AM MDT reply actions 0 recs

a 4 game suspension might not be a disaster for us...

remember, his hand would have another month to fully mend properly. I am still worried about that…

If God is not a Bronco fan, then WHY are sunsets Blue and Orange? - Jon Tollerud 5/22/08
The Quest ~ TSG 5/19/08

by Tim Lynch on Jul 25, 2008 7:42 AM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Great point

Maybe a suspension would be just the medicine his arm would need to keep him from re aggrevating like Scheff keeps doing. It sounds like Brandon needs to slow his life down everywhere, in relationships, on the road, and on the football field. This could be the ‘time out’ he needs.

And while I still see a suspension in his future, I see it more in the 2-4 range.

"It's the first time that I've probably ever seen a 260 pound back run into a free safety and go flat on his back, I mean it was exciting." ~John Elway

by jibbons on Jul 25, 2008 8:59 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Sue the NFL

Marshall’s lawyer is the same lawyer that helped Travis Henry beat his failed drug test last year, which was an NFL first. If Marshall is suspended without ever having a single conviction, then I hope his lawyer sues the NFL. If Goodell wants to suspend him, he would be smart to wait until his DUI situation becomes clear. Otherwise a suspension at this time would be based entirely on his relationship with this gook of a former girlfriend. Other than the extortion letters, Goodell should use their NFL dollar to investigate this woman to determine her credibility. The fact the police continue to drop charges initiated by her indicate that this woman lies. Goodell better be careful on this one, or I hope Marshall’s lawyer takes Goodell to town. I sure would. I would guarantee as much a percentage of future contracts as his lawyer wants to put Goodell in his place.

by The Gun Young on Jul 25, 2008 10:20 AM MDT reply actions 0 recs

I'm no spelling nazi, but

I think you meant kook instead of gook. I am pretty sure Rasheedah isn’t asian, but slurs are slurs. Spelling aside, I can see your point that the case against Marshall is fairly thin until his DUI conviction. After that conviction he is fair game for Goodell, although even that seems to be a situation that only results in a warning until the repeat offense (I’m no lawyer though). I would hate to see this come down to a lawsuit, but that threat might be the only thing that keeps Brandon on the field this year. However, as I agreed with Zappa above, the time off might be for the better.

"It's the first time that I've probably ever seen a 260 pound back run into a free safety and go flat on his back, I mean it was exciting." ~John Elway

by jibbons on Jul 25, 2008 11:27 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

another thing

First off I have problems with sources. I think the reporters should have to name them. But that is a fight for another day. I agree with our first amendment and all, but I think sometimes theses sources are wrong, and possibly lying. Just look at the crap with Favre over the cell phone. Well anyway, I would be ludicrous to think that Marshall would get 4-8 games. For one no matter what the Commish thinks #15 has not been found GUILTY of anything, yet.
Unlike Jones, Johnson, and Henry who all have been found or pleaded guilty. Goodell better have a guilty party on #15 or I can see litigation on this. I know this league has its own rules and he is trying to crack down on deviant behavior but its very dangerous to judge someone before his day in court

by broncfanstuckinsd on Jul 25, 2008 11:29 AM MDT reply actions 0 recs

This is FRICKIN' RIDICULOUS.....

Look,
Brandon Marshall is a young guy that has made some BONE HEAD moves, but he is no where NEAR the same type as Pacman, Henry, Tank or any of these other knuckle heads.
I cant even believe they are considering suspending him at all. I can guarentee you if there was a acse against him wit his ex charges would have been filed BACK IN MARCH….none coming.
This then leads to his DUI charge…..dumb….but there are a lot of people in the worls that have had them, and he is not guilty of it yet until it is founded.
Marshall has cleaned up his act, is doing a tonne of community service work and is known as a great team mate, hard worker and good guy. He has done a lot more positive things than any of the knuckle heads that have come before him.
Lots of us out there have been in bad relationships (I have) and you always think you can fix it because you love your partner ESPECIALLY WHEN YOU ARE YOUNG, so you keep trying to make it work…but it doesn’t.
NOW, if he was found guilty of Domestic Violence, throw the book at him, but if it just a case of a tortured, unhealthy relationship, then cut the kid a break and let both him, and his ex, get on with their lives.
4-8 weeks is LUDICROUS, 4 weeks is RIDICULOUS and any suspension at all (on the present eveidence) if heavy handed at a minimum.
Just my take.
Peace!

by boydy2669 on Jul 25, 2008 1:38 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

i am with you

by broncfanstuckinsd on Jul 25, 2008 1:50 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

unfortunately.....

Marshall will pay a heavier price thanks to the previous offenders. He brought negative attention to himself and the team. I thought 2 games is reasonable, but if he is gone longer than that, the offense suffers.

He is 24…..way past time for him to become a man.

fader nation is a conquered nation

The creator of the following names:

conquered fader nation
Phyllis and his merry men

by mdierk on Jul 25, 2008 1:55 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Agreed 100%

The NFL is also allowed to protect it’s name. It isn’t a court of law (requiring proven guilt). It is allowed to protect it’s name. As a school teacher, if I had been pulled over for being drunk I would have lost my job, even if I was never convicted.

If Marshall is suspended, I see it being 4 games or less. I think we have the depth to adjust, and I think the rest would help his arm. It’s a no lose situation. Plus Colbert, Jackson and Royal all get great development time. We’ll get through this.

"Greater is an army of sheep led by a lion, than an army of lions led by a sheep" Defoe

by Steve Nichols on Jul 26, 2008 8:01 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

I would think it would be no more than 2

Jared Allen was convicted of 2 DUI’s and then was suspended for 4, the it was reduced to 2 games. Seeing since the only thing Marshall has hanging over his head is the DUI, and the traffic ticket. But nobody knows what went on with the meeting with the Commish. He could have told Marshall shape up, and if you are convicted of the DUI or anymore DV’s cases with his girlfriend he will suspend him. I personally dont think anything will happen until after his DUI trial

by broncfanstuckinsd on Jul 26, 2008 11:55 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

I agree that it probably will be 2 games

I dont see him getting 4-8 games and if he did I bet it would get knocked down in arbitration. That being said, I disagree with everyone who says he doesn’t deserve to be suspended. I am as big of a Broncos and Marshall fan as anyone, but I think he needs a wake up call. Up to this point he has lost very little due to his incidents. I think the league needs to do something to get his head around the fact that his actions have consequences. I think watching his team fight out the hardest part of the schedule without him would open his eyes to the fact that his behavior affects others. Barring another incident I cannot see Shanny releasing him. So hopefully, we can look forward to a motivated Marshall whenever he makes it back on the field. If this doesn’t scare him straight I worry nothing will. If he cant learn to act correctly in accordence to his station then I dont want him on my team, no matter how much talent he has. Afterall, talent without discipline is nothing.

by Papamag on Jul 26, 2008 1:07 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

I hear ya.....

and if he doesn’t listen to his teammates than maybe Goodell will put his head on straight. I wouldn’t be surprised if he got suspended and part of me thinks that it is needed. I mean I really don’t want him to get suspended however it may wake him up and also get some rest for his arm should it not be 100% at the time. Also, 2 games is the most I think he may get.

by weazel on Jul 26, 2008 7:09 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

I hope Rod being at the meeting helps reduce it to two weeks..

Four to Eight weeks leaves way too much free time. My opinion is that Rod has convinced the commish that Brandon is REALLY trying to grow up and be good. I’m going for no suspension.

by Mike Clark on Jul 26, 2008 8:17 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs