NFL fines Broncos’ Shananhan for remarks on substance-abuse policy

 

DENVER (AP) -Broncos coach Mike Shanahan was fined $25,000 by the NFL for his comments about running back Travis Henry’s appeal of a one-year drug suspension.
The NFL informed Henry in September that he failed a test for marijuana. He sued the NFL to avoid a suspension and won his appeal Tuesday.
Shanahan supported Henry’s appeal, saying he was convinced of his innocence after the player passed a polygraph test and a hair sample come back negative for marijuana.
NFL spokesman Greg Aiello wrote in an e-mail that Shanahan was fined by the commissioner for “inappropriate public comments about the substance abuse program in violation of league rules.”
Broncos spokesman Dave Gaylinn declined to comment on the fine after practice Friday. He said any statements would come from the league office.
The league has said Henry will remain in the league’s substance abuse program. He served a four-game drug-related suspension while with the Tennessee Titans in 2005.
The Broncos signed Henry to a five-year, $22.5 million free agent contract that included $12 million in guarantees this offseason after the Titans released him in a cost-cutting move.
He’s had a rocky season. Besides battling the suspension, Henry has struggled with injuries. He led the league in rushing early in the year before missing games because of sore ribs and a slightly torn posterior cruciate ligament in his left knee.
Henry returned last Sunday in a 34-20 loss to Oakland, carrying 15 times for 49 yards and two touchdowns. He also lost a fumble, and had another bound away when he and Jay Cutler botched a handoff exchange.