Whizzinator wants back in NFL

[hagansp]

Former NFL running back Onterrio Smith has filed the appropriate paperwork for reinstatement, nearly two full years after he was bounced for multiple violations of the substance-abuse policy.

The problems came to a head (pun definitely not intended but impossible to ignore) when a fake, um, organ for use in duping drug tests was found in his luggage at an airport check point. He later was suspended, reportedly for skipping a drug test.

Agent Doug Hendrickson told the Green Bay Press-Gazette that he filed the application last week on Smith's behalf. "He's been out of the league two years, but you know the talent's there," Hendrickson said. "He's still young. A lot of teams need a back. I think someone will take a chance on him and bring him in to camp."

Smith called himself the "Steal of the Draft" after the Vikings selected him in the fourth round four years ago. He started his collegiate career at Tennessee, was expelled, and finished up at Oregon. Concerns arising from (surprise, surprise) marijuana use caused the guy with first-round talent to fall out of day one. (A prior version of this story said that Smith was a third-round pick. We apologize for the error.)

He rushed for more than 500 yards as a rookie, including two late-season games with 148 and 146. He rushed for more than 600 yards in 2004, when he was missed four games due to a drug-related suspension.

Smith tried to play for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers of the CFL in 2005, but was cut during training camp.

Technically, Smith was banished from the league, with the opportunity to apply to reinstatement after one year. He has applied for reinstatement at least once before.

[randallcards]

let him back hes good!

[doniceage]

I think it amazing in the big scheme of things. This guy is suspended right or wrong that your choice. But how many guys in the NFL are using some types of drugs. Come on I think the number is like 32 or 33 violators since 2002. So if all these guys were tested on a regular basis I think there would be more than just this story on Smith.

I find it ironic how people hate McGwire and especially Bonds for taking the ROIDS (if they did) Yeah right. Of course name a NFL player who is hated or despied like Bonds though they do the same thing. Hmm, just doesn't seem like it is fair. Or perhaps the NFL is sending the wrong message as no one is hated like BONDS (fair or not that another story).

DON

[Bondsaway]

Don,

Your so right. Look at Howie Long (Roid Rage) punches out own teammate. (My bad it wasn't Long but the other clown LB from Denver help me out) No one called for him to be hung from the rafters. How many guys were caught spitting on people in the NFL but Alomar in the MLB was frontpage stuff. There neeeds to be tighter rules and rules enforcement.

Hopefully the new commissioner will help speed the new code of conduct for players, so the bengals better start drafting players with good academics maybe they can keep them off the police blotter. As for Smith I don't see any difference between him and say Ricky Williams. Both "potheads" and whizzing away their talents. With all that money you think they could find a better hobby.

[chiliwilly]

Maybe thinking of Romanowski. I think that's who it was.

[Bondsaway]

Maybe thinking of Romanowski. I think that's who it was.

YES that him thanks. Billy boy and if I remember correctly his teammate was out 5-6 games because of a broken orbital bone.

[doniceage]

George,
That he was and supposedly his teammate was going to sue him. Not sure if that ever was followed thru on but again it a Double Standard LOL. Oh did I just say that.

DON

[Bondsaway]

They reached an undisclosed settlement.