AP A concerning story out of Los Angeles, but one that becomes less concerning the second we hear about it. After all, if the news has reached our eyes and ears, the story’s likely heading in the right direction.
That’s how sports’ substance abuse programs work. You don’t hear about the problem until a player has taken steps to correct it, however those steps come about.
LA Galaxy goalkeeper Josh Saunders is now on that road, his surprise weekend absence from Galaxy’s draw with FC Dallas now given unfortunate context. According to the LA Times, the 31-year-old Cal product has been enrolled in the league’s substance abuse program, though Galaxy officials are denying any failed drug tests.
As Kevin Baxter notes, we can look back one year to see how things go from there; at least, how they go as far as on the field matters are concerned:
Saunders missed last Saturday’s tie with FC Dallas and is unavailable for Wednesday night’s match in Seattle, with Coach Bruce Arena saying only that the keeper was missing for “personal reasons.” That’s the same language the New England Revolution used when midfielder Shalrie Joseph missed six weeks early in the 2010 season while involved in the substance abuse program.
Joseph was also suspended for five games; Saunders could be handed a similar penalty.
All of which is pretty irrelevant. One day, Josh Saunders is going to come back. Whether he’s fined or suspended in the interim doesn’t really matter. He’ll be away getting better.
In the meantime, Bill Gaudette will be in goal. Hopefully, in a couple of months, this is no more meaningful than Joseph’s brief absence at the beginning of last season.
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- californiaredskins - May 2, 2012 at 3:52 AM
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Unless Saunders failed a drug test or was arrested how can he be facing fines / suspensions for getting help. I understand that these things are usually precipitated by a negative action, but I haven’t heard anything about an arrest and they said he didn’t fail a drug test. If he didn’t fail a drug test or get arrested how does he get suspended / fined?
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- wesbadia - May 2, 2012 at 9:40 AM
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He could’ve been caught red-handed. Or was simply urged by his team mates to come forward and admit his problems to the staff. If the League has a policy in place concerning drug use and Saunders violated it, it doesn’t really matter how the truth came forward. The fact remains that Saunders is in drug rehab and his obvious violation would warrant a fine and/or suspension by the League. People don’t go into rehab if they don’t really have a problem.
In the meantime, Gaudette better get ready to fill the position…
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- californiaredskins - May 2, 2012 at 4:42 PM
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My point being that I would assume there is an amnesty clause if he asks for help rather than had he been caught doing something illegal or failing a drug test. If there isn’t an amnesty clause then why would anyone come forward to get help if it is going to trigger a punishment.
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- footballer4ever - May 2, 2012 at 10:56 AM
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I wish Saunders gets help and gets back on track. Let’s show some sympathy towards a player with a problem in which millions of people face every day.
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- drchale - May 2, 2012 at 2:24 PM
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Tough blow to the Galaxy, but clearly Josh’s health is more important here. I know he had a DUI back in ’04 while playing with the Timbers, and it appears that he hasn’t quite extinguished those demons yet.
I hope he truly gets the help he needs and comes back stronger and better than ever. And ACB/Riot Squad better have a kickass tifo ready when he does.
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- rosesacl - May 2, 2012 at 7:34 PM
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Probably ganja
