Rule #67: The asterisk may not be official, but it's there

Brian Cushing should lose his Defensive Rookie of the Year award.

It pains me to say it, but it's the truth

The former USC linebacker says that the banned substance he tested positive for in a random drug test was non-steroidal.

Because he's a Trojan, I'll give him the benefit of the doubt. I'll believe him on that point and continue to support him.

However, the NFL says, steroid or not, it was a performance enhancer.

Also the positive test came in September, which means that any hope we had of his award-winning rookie season being untainted is now dashed.

And that means Bills rookie Jarius Byrd deserves the Defensive ROY award, not Cushing.

Regardless of what he says, the NFL denied his appeal and he now has to serve a four game suspension.

No award of that sort could keep it's integrity while allowing a player who has failed a drug test to retain it.

The circumstances may not be fair to Cushing, who continues to maintain his innocence, but life isn't fair and exceptions can't - and shouldn't - be made, especially when the details will likely never be cleared up.

It is unfortunate because these rumors have followed Cushing since high school, so he's used to fighting them.

There were false reports of a positive steroid test as recently as the NFL combine last year, so it's not like he hasn't had to deal with similar accusations before.

Given all that, he should have known better than to put himself in this situation. He, of all people, should have have been more careful about the products he used.

I know that's easier said than done, but when your reputation and legacy are on the line you have to be extra vigilant.

Cushing was not and now he needs to pay the price.