Denver May Face Cap Woes

April 2, 2000 / 6:05 PM EDT / CBS/AP

The agent for Denver's Dale Carter defended his troubled client but wouldn't discuss the details of a report that the Broncos' cornerback will be suspended for one year for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy.

The Denver Post reported Sunday that Carter, who signed a four-year, $22.8 million contract with the Broncos last summer, faces suspension for being a four-time offender. Two of the violations reportedly stem from failing to submit to drug tests, which is considered failing a test under NFL rules.

"I'm not getting into that," agent Mitch Frankel said when asked if Carter missed tests. "It's confidential information. All I'm saying is he didn't test positive for drugs in January or February."

The NFL is expected to rule on Carter's appeal this week.

If Carter is suspended, the Broncos could be hurt financially. Because Carter received a $7.8 million signing bonus, at least $5.14 million would count against the salary cap if they cut him.

Broncos officials wouldn't comment on the matter Monday.

But Carter's teammates expressed concern for him.

"You hope that Dale can get himself help because he seems to have a problem," offensive lineman Mark Schlereth said.

If he loses his appeal, Carter would be the third Denver player suspended for violating the league's substance abuse policy this offseason. Defensive end Cyron Brown has been suspended for one year, and safety Darrius Johnson received a four-game suspension. Johnson was released last month.

"Most people are going to say everything was fine until Dale came," fullback Howard Griffith said. "We were winning before Dale came, too. A lot of this has to do with losing. Instead of saying Dale brought people down, you should say other people brought themselves down."

Other teammates were quoted as saying Carter liked to party and often slept through team meetings. Frankel took exception to the criticism.

"How about that he was in a new defensive scheme that was tough for him to adapt to?" Frankel said. "How about that he got hit in the eye by a fan throwing a battery when they were 0-4?"

Carter, the 1992 defensive rookie of the year, spent seven seasons with Kansas City, where he was selected to four Pro Bowls. While with the Chiefs, he also was arrested and accused of driving under the influence, carrying a concealed weapon and assault.