AT ISSUE
Henry vs. NFL
What: Broncos running back Travis Henry’s appeal of an NFL suspension in Phoenix
Background: Henry will be pleading his case today, the beginning of the end of a long saga. Henry tested positive for marijuana use in August and was then notified about a pending one-year suspension because he already is in stage two of the NFL’s substance abuse program after a four-game ban in 2005 while with Tennessee for a failed marijuana test. Henry has taken hair samples and lie detector tests to help plead his case, and they will be used as part of his federal lawsuit against the NFL. The lawsuit will be heard this month in New York. The NFL’s ruling on Henry’s appeal likely will be announced next week, perhaps as soon as Tuesday.
Williamson’s take: The NFL isn’t interested in Henry’s evidence. All the league office cares about is his dirty urine sample. Many close to Henry believe him but doubt he will win the appeal, because the NFL isn’t interested in doing Henry any favors – especially in light of his lawsuit. He may win the lawsuit, but that could be down the road.
THE HOT SEAT
A makeup game
Who: Colts quarterback Peyton Manning
When: Sunday vs. Kansas City
Why: Manning is coming off one of his worst games of his career. Now his team suddenly is 7-2 and leads the AFC South by just one game. Manning is the face of the Colts and clearly their best player. He needs to bounce back from a bad performance in San Diego and make sure the Colts stop their two-game losing streak by beating the Chiefs. Manning threw six interceptions, a career high, against the Chargers. Bad officiating, Adam Vinatieri’s two missed field goals and questionable decisions by coach Tony Dungy also contributed. But the Colts lost because of Manning’s bad game. That is a rarity. Manning clearly needs to bounce back.
ROOKIE WATCH
Griffin a good pick
Who: Titans safety Michael Griffin
When: Monday night at Denver
Why: Griffin is becoming a major part of the Titans’ defense. The former Texas star was the No. 19 overall pick in the draft and has made a nice transition to the Tennessee defense. Against the Jaguars last weekend, Griffin tied his career high with five tackles. Against the Broncos, Griffin will be responsible for stopping the run – Denver likely will attempt to run the ball often. One of Griffin’s biggest tasks will be trying to stop Broncos rookie running back Selvin Young. They were teammates at Texas.
