Dolphin RB To Be Suspended

By The Associated Press

Miami running back Sammy Morris will be suspended for the first four games of the regular season for violating the NFL's steroid policy, two newspapers reported Thursday night.

The South Florida Sun-Sentinel and the Palm Beach Post, in stories posted on their Web sites after the Dolphins defeated St. Louis 29-9 in their preseason finale, both reported that Morris tested positive during the 2005 season for ephedrine, a banned stimulant.

Team officials declined comment, citing confidentiality policies, and Morris was not available to reporters in the locker room after the game. He had four carries for 3 yards in Miami's win.

Morris was expected to enter this season as the backup to starter Ronnie Brown, filling the role vacated by Ricky Williams, who is serving a one-year suspension for violating the league's substance abuse policy.

Morris' attorney, David Cornwell, told the Sun-Sentinel that the test stemmed from Morris' use of the over-the-counter cold remedy Sudafed, which the running back used to battle sinusitis and upper respiratory disorders.

Cornwell told the Sun-Sentinel that Dolphins trainer Kevin O'Neill confirmed during Morris' appeal process that he treated the player for sinus-related issues on several other occasions.

A call placed to Cornwell's spokeswoman by The Associated Press was not immediately returned late Thursday.

Dolphins coach Nick Saban did not specifically address Morris' suspension after Thursday's game, but said the team would seek ways to add depth at running back in the coming days.

"It's an area we've always had some interest in trying to improve, even in the offseason," Saban said. "We'll continue to do that in the next 48 hours to see if someone can add some experience for us."

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