Broncos' Miller mostly mum on reported suspension
Denver Broncos outside linebacker Von Miller acknowledged he has filed an appeal against a pending four-game suspension, but shed little light on the details of the situation.
The NFL Players Association has said the suspension is not for performance enhancing drugs, and Miller emphatically said Wednesday that marijuana is not a part of his life.
"Absolutely not," he said when asked about marijuana, while repeatedly citing confidentiality during the ongoing situation in declining to provide specifics.
"I have filed an appeal with the NFL, obviously. I can touch on more detail whenever the subject is resolved," said Miller. "Obviously, I respect those guys (at the NFL). They have a hard job with all the stuff that is going around. And out of respect for that whole situation I can't really elaborate on too many details."
Miller's appeal is expected to be heard in mid-August and the case resolved before the start of the regular season, ESPN reported.
The type of substance that Miller allegedly used has not been publicly revealed. Under NFL rules, he had to test positive twice for the same substance to receive a four-game suspension.
According to The Denver Post, Miller tested positive for amphetamines and marijuana in 2011 when he was a rookie.
Miller and the rest of the Broncos begin training camp on Thursday in Englewood, Colo. Broncos coach John Fox said the All-Pro would practice with the first-team defense while the case is pending.
"First of all let me make one thing perfectly clear, that we are aware of the reports," Fox said when asked about Miller. "Due to confidentiality, we can't report, but I can sit here and tell you here as of right now when we start camp, every one of our players is eligible, there are no suspensions and that is the way we will start the season."
NFLPA spokesman George Atallah said Monday on Twitter that Miller's potential suspension did not result from steroid use, writing, "I can also confirm that Von's case does not involve the Steroids and Related Substances Policy."
Broncos cornerback Champ Bailey said he has spoken to Miller since the reports surfaced, and that he'd be surprised if Miller is ultimately suspended for four games.
"One thing I know about Von is that he's not going to jeopardize what he does on that field," said Bailey. "He's 100 percent a football player. I know he cares about it and loves it to death, so he's not going to jeopardize his career for something stupid."
Miller said he does not believe his situation is creating a distraction as his teammates prepare to open training camp.
"I don't think I'm the center of attention," he said. "It's business as usual in the locker room. Outside of the locker room I can't control too much stuff. But on the football field I can control the way I play football. The way I go out there snap-to-snap and just relate with my teammates. That's some of the stuff I can control and that's what I am going to focus on."
