NFL commissioner Roger Goodell announced Thursday that he would not reduce the four-game suspension of Houston Texans linebacker Brian Cushing.
Cushing, the 2009 Defensive Rookie of the Year, was suspended by the NFL for suspected use of a performance-enhancing substance.
The Texans asked Goodell last week to reconsider his decision, arguing that the positive test was caused naturally by excessive training.
Cushing was found last Sept. with elevated levels of hCG, a fertility drug that is banned by the NFL. Cushing has denied taking any performance-enhancing drugs.
Goodell said Thursday that outside medical experts reviewed the information provided by the Texans, but found "no basis" for reducing the ban.
Cushing, the 2009 Defensive Rookie of the Year, was suspended by the NFL for suspected use of a performance-enhancing substance.
The Texans asked Goodell last week to reconsider his decision, arguing that the positive test was caused naturally by excessive training.
Cushing was found last Sept. with elevated levels of hCG, a fertility drug that is banned by the NFL. Cushing has denied taking any performance-enhancing drugs.
Goodell said Thursday that outside medical experts reviewed the information provided by the Texans, but found "no basis" for reducing the ban.
