Walter Thurmond suspended four-games for substance abuse violation

The Seattle Seahawks troubles with chemicals continue to trip them up. Ian Rapoport reported this morning that cornerback Walter Thurmond is facing a four-game suspension for violating the league's substance abuse policy. Just to be clear, this is NOT for a performance-enhancing drug (PED) violation. Rapoport reported Thurmond is appealing the suspension, but will drop that appeal after this week. That would leave him sidelined for Weeks 13-16, and back in time for the playoffs.

I was away from my computer when this happened, but I had a chance to read over Bay Area Sports Guy's take on the situation. I agree almost entirely with his post, and would have written something pretty similar, so you might as well read his article. He does a good job breaking down the impact of losing Thurmond.

The Seahawks hold a 3 1/2 game lead over the San Francisco 49ers and Arizona Cardinals, so it would take quite a plummet for them to blow their division lead. However, with the wildcard race extremely tight, every win counts. The 49ers still need to get their offense figured out, even against a depleted Seahawks squad. We'll see how the Seahawks respond short Thurmond, and likely Brandon Browner (groin injury).