Richard Sherman says faulty drug test could have ruined his reputation

Seattle Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman said his reputation could have been destroyed by a faulty drug test and that “I’ve never taken anything” a day after his four-game suspension for violation of the NFL’s policy on performance-enhancing drugs was overturned on appeal.

Appearing this morning on the NFL Network’s “NFL AM,” Sherman maintained he was confident throughout the entire process in which he challenged the chain of custody for the urine sample he provided. A leaky collection cup was at fault and the man collecting the test poured Sherman’s sample into another cup. He did not report the irregularity.

“Of course I thought I was going to win," Sherman said, according to NFL.com. "I've never taken anything. Going in to it, I was surprised when I got the news about a positive test. I had faith the whole time I would win it and hoped the truth would eventually come out.

“I was innocent to begin with. That's why they have the chain of custody because it can help when people make mistakes like this. They can pour your urine into a used cup and this is the kind of thing that can clear it up and make sure your name gets cleared. I appreciate that.
 

“Without that, the guy could have did anything and just ruined my reputation and nobody would have been any the wiser.”

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Brad Biggs covers the Bears for the Chicago Tribune