Setback for Cowboys, Scandrick SUSPENDED Four Games,

Image credit: USA Today 

Cornerback Orlando Scandrick from the Dallas Cowboys has been suspended for the first four games of the season after testing positive for Molly. 

Owner Jerry Jones stated Monday nightthat Scandrick violated the NFL's substance-abuse policy while on vacation in Mexico. 

Scandrick stated, "Failing a drug test is far out of my character, and although I never knowingly took a performance enhancing drug/banned stimulant while on vacation in Mexico, I take full responsibility for what goes in my body and more importantly for the embarrassment of a failed drug test.
It’s my goal by issuing this statement to clear my name and more importantly to be judged by what happens to me in the future. I hope that my family, my Cowboys football family and all my fans can forgive me for this situation. I look forward to a successful 2014 season." 

Scandrick was signed to a two-year contract extension last season which extends through 2018, adding $9 million in guaranteed money. Last season Scandrick ranked fifth on the team in tackles, second in pass breakups and third in interceptions. 

Scandrick suspension is a major setback and leaves the Cowboys defense in a difficult position. As one of the Cowboy's top cornerback last season, Scandrick is the best in the league. He was the first-round pick while Morris Claiborne continued to battle with injuries. Head coach Jason Garrett stated Sunday that Scandrick and Claiborne were battling for the starting outside cornerback spot, but due to Claiborne's injury Scandrick had the position. 

Cornerback Brandon Carr has yet to participate in the team drills at practice due to the lost of his mother. 

Claiborne also hasn’t finished a practice since July 29 while battling right knee tendinitis. It is reported that Claiborne and Carr could be back in team drills this week.

In order for the Cowboys to defeat this setback, they will need a strong start this season to avoid missing the playoffs for the fifth consecutive year. 

Kateri Fischer
@Katikiii