ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that Houston Texans linebacker Brian Cushing, suspended by the NFL for four games at the start of the 2010 regular season for violating the league's steroid policy, tested positive in September.

"Texans LB Brian Cushing flunked his test in September and played last season with the specter of a four-game suspension hanging over him", Schefter reported on Twitter.

Perhaps I was searching for something positive in this situation, but when news of Cushing's failed test/suspension broke on Friday afternoon, I hoped that he took a substance to overcome the numerous injuries he played through during his rookie season, which prompted him to skip the Pro Bowl. Turns out that wasn't at all the case, and his phenomenal rookie season is completely tainted.

It's time the hand the 2009 NFL Defensive Player of the Year award to its rightful owner, Buffalo Bills safety Jairus Byrd.