Cleveland Browns: Joe Haden May Have Used Adderall During Las Vegas Excursion

By Kris Knox
Senior Writer

Cleveland Browns fans have been anxiously awaiting new details on the reported failed drug test by star cornerback Joe Haden.

Both Haden and the team have been tight-lipped on the topic, but what we know is that Haden has allegedly been informed that he tested positive for the prescription drug Adderall, during a league-administered test earlier this offseason.

Since Adderall is classified as a stimulant and is on the league’s banned substance list. Haden faces a possible four-game suspension if the positive test is confirmed.

Obviously, both the Browns and its fans hope that the allegations prove to be untrue. The loss of the team’s top defensive back for the first quarter of 2012 would be a huge blow to a team desperately looking to take a positive step this season.

If the newest rumblings on the situations ring true, it certainly doesn’t look good for Haden or for the Browns.

According to Profootballtalk.com, a league source indicated that Haden tested positive for Adderall, commonly used to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, after using the drug for its stimulant qualities during a recent trip to Las Vegas.

The source has clearly implied that Haden does not possess a prescription for Adderall or a condition that would require its use. However, even if Haden were taking the drug under a physician’s orders, he would not necessarily avoid suspension.

New York Giants safety Tyler Sash was recently handed a four-game suspension for testing positive for Adderall, despite the safety’s claim that he took the drug under a doctor’s care to cope with anxiety during offseason speaking engagements.

Any suspension dealt to Haden is pending a second positive result drawn fro the initial sample and a possible appeal on the part of the cornerback. However, if Haden did indeed use the drug for recreation, as rumors suggest, it is unlikely that he would be able to make much of a case for himself.

Follow Kris on Twitter: @Kris_Knox

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