When word came that Green Bay Packers defensive lineman Letroy Guion would open the 2017 season by serving his second career suspension, we floated the possibility that the team would release him.
In fact, some people think that’s a good idea. That enough is enough and the Packers should release him.
But that isn’t happening.
Packers general manager Ted Thompson confirmed that on Monday. In the process, he also confirmed the Packers’ double standard.
“I think you have to deal with those things on an individual basis,” Thompson said. “In Letroy’s case, that’ll work itself out.”
Both of Guion’s suspensions are drug-related. The first was a substance abuse suspension in 2015. This latest one is for performance-enhancing drugs, which is ironic because Guion’s performance has actually been in decline.
Regardless, the Packers are awfully selective when it comes to these matters. They quickly released defensive lineman Mike Pennel during last season’s playoffs after he was eligible to return from his second suspension.
Pennel’s two infractions were also drug-related, both of the substance-abuse variety. Two other Packers — cornerback Sam Shields and receiver Geronimo Allison — were popped for marijuana offenses last year. Although not related, Shields was released, but Allison will be with the team in 2017.
What all of this illustrates is the Packers clearly don’t have a blanket policy when it comes to drug infractions. The only blanket policy is, we’ll keep you on the roster regardless of what you do if we think you can help us win football games.