Storm clouds continue to gather over Leon Lett.
The Dallas Morning News reported in today's editions that the Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle is facing a one-year suspension by the NFL after testing positive for cocaine.Without identifying its source, the newspaper reported that Lett appealed the suspension and that a hearing has already been held on the appeal. Lett, questioned after the Cowboys' 21-10 victory Thursday over the Washington Redskins, denied testing positive.
"If the league messed up my test, then how could it be positive?" Lett asked. "I haven't failed any drug test."
NFL spokesman Joe Browne, reached Thursday night by The Associated Press, declined comment, citing the league's policy of confidentiality in substance-abuse matters.
Specifically, the appeal and the hearing focused on how the urine sample that tested positive for cocaine was handled, The Morning News reported the source as saying.
The appeal contended that a procedural error by the NFL marred the test, the source said. If the chain of custody was broken, the results of the sample could be discarded.
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has denied any knowledge of the matter and has said Lett denied having attended a hearing in New York.
The Morning News reported that, according to its source, Lett talked with NFL commissioner Paul Tagliabue by telephone on Nov. 21 and denied using cocaine.
The newspaper said that was followed Tuesday by a hearing involving the NFL, representatives for Lett and the person responsible for collecting urine samples from the Cowboys.
If his appeal is denied, Lett could be suspended before the end of the season, The Morning News reported. If the appeal is upheld, Lett could escape suspension.
The NFL suspended Lett for four games last season for violating its substance-abuse policy. As a result, the player now is tested two to 10 times per month. A second positive test would carry with it an automatic one-year suspension.
Jones and his son, Stephen, a vice president for the Cowboys, have denied receiving notification from the NFL concerning Lett's drug test. Each also has denied vigorously any knowledge of a suspension involving Lett or any procedural mistake that might have voided a test of Lett.
Cowboys coach Barry Switzer has said he doesn't know anything about Lett possibly failing a drug test and doesn't want to know.