Falcons’ Grady Jackson faces four-game suspension

Flowery Branch — Falcons defensive tackle Grady Jackson did not deny a report that he tested positive for a water pill that violated the NFL’s drug policy and faces a four-game suspension.

When reached Monday morning by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Jackson said only “That’s what they said.” When asked if he planned an appeal, Jackson directed all questions to his agent, Angelo Wright. Jackson was not in the Falcons locker room during media availability prior to Monday’s practice.

Reached at dinner late Sunday, Wright also did not deny that Jackson was on a list of violators, but wrote in a text message, “He is not being suspended.”

Fox Sports first reported Sunday that Jackson was one of six to eight NFL players under investigation. The list included Saints running back Deuce McAllister, Saints defensive linemen Charles Grant and Will Smith, Vikings defensive tackles Kevin Williams and Pat Williams. McAllister admitted Sunday that he was under investigation by the league.

Wright is also the agent for Pat Williams.

The Falcons did not comment about Jackson’s plight.

“Any information regarding the NFL drug policy is confidential,” said Reggie Roberts, the Falcons vice president of football communications. “Accordingly, the club will have no further comment.”

Falcons coach Mike Smith said Monday after practice “It would be inappropriate for me to comment about the NFL drug policy. It’s inappropriate for me to make any comment.”

The drug in question with Jackson is Bumetanide, a water pill that is considered a diuretic. Under league policy some water pills are illegal because they could be used to mask positive steroid tests.

Jackson is listed at 345 pounds by the Falcons but is believed to be heavier. He may have been taking the diuretic to lose water weight and possibly meet a weight clause in his contract.

Jackson has started six games this season and is a key cog in the Falcons’ run defense. Jason Jefferson is listed as Jackson’s backup. He started for Jackson when he was a game-day scratch before the Tampa Bay game on Sept. 14 with a knee problem.

Attorney David Cornwell, of Atlanta, has represented several NFL players who have appealed their drug suspensions, most notable the Chargers’ Shawne Merriman.

“Under the [NFL drug] policy they are subject to whatever the appropriate level of discipline,” said Cornwell, who doesn’t represent Jackson. “Upon receipt of that letter, the player has five days to appeal. Surely, that is where most everyone is now.”

During the appeals process, players have a hearing to present evidence to show they were not in violation of the policy.

The discipline for the violation is stayed until a decision on the appeal is made.

The league’s management council will have a team of lawyers to represent the league at the hearing. The player must hire his own counsel. The hearing can be held by telephone or in person.

“They are not all in lockstep,” Cornwell said. “It takes some time for the preparation for the hearings.”

The NFL started testing for steroids in 1987 and started suspending first-time violators in 1989. A year round testing program was implemented in 1990.

Former starting right guard Matt Lehr was the last Falcon suspended under the drug policy. He missed four games during the 2006 season.