Halo

Game-day notebook: NFL rejects Carter's suspension appeal
Oct. 6, 2002
By Jay Glazer
SportsLine.com Senior Writer





The Big Easy is about to find out life won't be getting any easier.

The NFL Today and SportsLine.com has learned commissioner Tagliabue this week rejected an application for reinstatement to the league filed by former Pro Bowl cornerback Dale Carter.

Carter is currently serving an indefinite suspension for multiple violations of the league's Drug and Alcohol Program. The team was hoping the former All-Pro corner would be allowed back into the NFL after serving suspensions covering the first six weeks of the year. Carter was told, however, he might revisit the idea later in the year and apply once again to have his playing status renewed before the end of the season.


Paul Tagliabue has decided Dale Carter's not ready to resume his NFL career. (Allsport)
The Saints were so desperate to get their big free-agent signee back in the lineup, the Saints recently took their argument straight to the top. Team owner Tom Benson personally phoned the commissioner hoping to gain leniency for the embattled defender. The decision was based upon the opinions of the league's doctors handling Carter's case.

The Saints signed Carter to a significant free-agent contract this offseason and actually changed their defense to take advantage of his coverage skills, at one time unparalleled in the league.

When the NFL suspended him before the season, Saints coaches scrambled to change their defense again to cover for his loss. The current suspension is the latest in a long line of problems for the former star.

He was reinstated late last season by the NFL following a prolonged drug suspension. He was released by the Broncos upon his reinstatement and then immediately hooked on with Minnesota.

This offseason Carter was forced to claim personal bankruptcy, which threw a cramp in the Broncos' plans to recoup a lost signing bonus due to them after his suspension.

While there is little doubt Carter still has stunning skills, it remains a mystery when he'll be able to use those talents on an NFL field again.

Saint2

It\'s a conspiracy. The NFL(No Fun League) know the Saints are thin at that position and Carter would help them and in order to keep them down they won\'t let him play till maybe it\'s too late(Hopefully Not) and Carter will get reinstated later and help them to & through the playoffs. Yea, This is the same league that lets a hood like Randy Moss (Thousands of Drug Offenses-Ask Florida State- and Tries to run over a Meter Maid play with a slap on the wrist.) Where is the Justice? :casstet:

whodatsaintsfan26

Have they said when he can apply for reinstatement again? This is the chance you take when you sign a two time loser from the program. Hate to see it, but you have to take the good with the bad for this guy

SaintStoneyMount

That is typical of Tagliabooo. Randy \"icon\" Moss get\'s away with murder, but Dale knew the consequences. The NFL says the decision is based upon Dale\'s doctors evaluation. Maybe Benson should get on the phone with the Doctors and not the league. :casstet: