| 10 September 2009
Despite his many faults (lack of work ethic, piss poor attitude, a tendency to punch out QB's) most thought DT Shaun Smith a was lock to make the Lions 53 man roster. He didn't do much in the exhibition season, but most everyone in the NFL agreed he has a good deal of talent, and is an NFL player. The Lions were so short on defensive line talent, Sports Illustrated went as far to call Smith Detroit's "most indispensable" player. (SI has to cringe every time that's brought up...)
So everyone was surprised when the Lions decided to waive Smith when rosters were finalized on Saturday.
The question many asked was, "Why cut Smith?"
Could the Lions have been so delusional to think there enough quality depth on the defensive line to not carry the undeniably talented Smith on the opening day roster?
Today we found out the Lions weren't delusional at all.
Former Cleveland Browns veteran defensive tackle Shaun Smith has had a rough week.
It started when the Detroit Lions released him on Saturday night and ended with him being suspended four games for violating the league's anabolic steroid policy, according to a league source.
Since Smith was released, roughly six teams have contacted him about the possibility of signing him. But Smith had to inform each of those teams he will be serving his suspension during the season's first four weeks and he will be available in Week 5, if anyone is interested. Smith also told teams he took a water pill, an over-the-counter, non-performance-enhancing substance.
Water pill? I was..uh..um..BLOATED! That's it, I was bloated!
As noted in the ESPN article, diuretics are often used to mask the use of steroids. But no one ever takes 'roids or HGH, those pooped for steroid use always claim they were only taking a diuretic.
No wonder the Lions cut him. They knew this was coming.
When you add the suspension to Smith's other glaring faults, is it any wonder Jim Schwartz decided to wash his hands of him? He has enough on his plate already, trying to turn around this Titanic of franchises. Schwartz doesn't need the steamer trunk sized baggage Shaun Smith brings with him.
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