MYNORTHWEST NEWS

Former Seahawk John Moffitt feels for Brandon Browner, dishes on NFL drug testing

Dec 18, 2013, 6:18 PM | Updated: Dec 19, 2013, 10:11 am

Free agent cornerback Brandon Browner is rejoining the Seahawks. (AP)...

Free agent cornerback Brandon Browner is rejoining the Seahawks. (AP)

(AP)

When word came down Wednesday the NFL had suspended Seahawks cornerback Brandon Browner indefinitely for allegedly violating the substance-abuse policy, it brought back some uncomfortable memories for former Seahawk John Moffitt.

Moffitt, who retired from the NFL earlier this fall, can relate. The former offensive lineman was suspended in 2011 for four games after violating the NFL policy on performance-enhancing drugs.

Moffitt spoke frankly about the suspension, what it’s like to live under that stigma, and his empathy for Brandon Browner while filling in as a co-host on KIRO Radio’s Ron and Don Show with Luke Burbank.

Moffitt readily admits he used the stimulant Adderall. But he says it wasn’t to enhance his performance, it was strictly recreational.

“I know that when I used it it was a dumb thing I didn’t know had left over, fun, never have used anything to help me with football. I only need help off the field,” he laughs.

But what happened regularly after that was no joke to Moffitt. Like all players, he was subjected to regular urine testing. It was a demeaning experience.

“It’s something that no one really talks about but it is a very creepy thing to take a drug test in the NFL,” he says. “Because there is literally a man that is affiliated with the NFL drug testing, and he calls you into a room. And it’s just you and him, and your pants are down around your ankles, and your shirts off, and he is standing about two feet in front of you, and you are urinating into a cup right in front of him.”

Preparing for the tests was difficult as well. Moffitt says he had to drink multiple bottles of water and Gatorade just to be able to fill the cup.

“I understand that’s what you have to do but it’s very invasive,” he says.

As for Browner, there’s no confirmation of what drug caused him to test positive. But it’s believed to be marijuana. Moffitt says it’s absurd the league treats the drug as a banned substance while allowing players to drink alcohol.

“It’s ridiculous…to me, if you’re an athlete and you’re drinking, you’re deteriorating your body far more than if you’re an athlete and you’re using marijuana,” he says.

Moffitt says based on his observation in the locker room, at least 50 percent of players use marijuana, and he wouldn’t be surprised if that number was much higher.

So why don’t more test positive? Because the league only tests for recreational drugs once a year, sometime between April and August. And players get a heads up when the testing will take place.

“So if you can’t be clean between April and August, then you have a problem.”

Browner has gotten plenty of criticism for the positive test, especially since he previously failed a drug test back in 2005 as a rookie with the Denver Broncos. But Moffitt says even though Browner screwed up, he feels for him having gone through the scrutiny and criticism himself.

“It’s very tough because you feel like you’re in a fishbowl and the whole world is just looking in at you and basically shaking their finger at you,” he says.

MyNorthwest News

Taylor Swift performs onstage during the Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour at Lumen Field on July 22, 20...

Micki Gamez, KIRO Newsradio and Bill Kaczaraba, MyNorthwest

Seattle tourism dollars break records following All-Star Week, Taylor Swift

It was a record-setting year for dollars flowing into Seattle from tourists.

1 hour ago

Image: A bridge in Carnation....

Julia Dallas

Carnation frustrated with Seattle again after 8th false emergency alarm induces widespread panic

Carnation citizens have faced a series of panic-inducing alarms after SPU's system for the Tolt Dam falsely sounded eight times.

3 hours ago

Grocery store shopper...

Bill Kaczaraba

Ways to deal with Seattle grocery store sticker shock

Seattle grocery store sticker shock continues to play havoc on locals, but there are ways to counter high prices.

3 hours ago

belltown hellcat social media...

Frank Sumrall

Infamous ‘Belltown Hellcat’ social media influencer charged with reckless driving

The social media influencer has been accused of driving 107 miles per hour through Belltown in a Dodge Hellcat.

4 hours ago

KIRO Newsradio gracie awards...

MyNorthwest Staff

KIRO Newsradio anchors receive Gracie Awards for outstanding work

Heather Bosch and Lisa Brooks, anchors at KIRO Newsradio, have been honored by the Alliance for Women in Media with prestigious Gracie Awards.

7 hours ago

Kia Boys...

Kate Stone and Bill Kaczaraba

‘Kia Boyz’ allegedly execute a crime spree in south King County

Renton police chased down a 14-and 16-year-old but are still looking for two other teen suspects in what they said was a "crime spree" in south King County.

8 hours ago

Former Seahawk John Moffitt feels for Brandon Browner, dishes on NFL drug testing