Justin Gatlin, World's Fastest Man, Tries Out With Texans

Justin Gatlin set the world record in the 100-meter dash, but when he tested positive for a banned substance, the world of track and field told him he wasn't welcome back in the sport until 2014. An eight-year suspension is kind of a big deal, so Gatlin has decided to try another sport. He tried out with the Houston Texans this week.

Gatlin hasn't played football since high school, but his agent figures if you're the fastest man in the world, you could probably run some decent deep routes. And his agent should know: He's Renaldo Nehemiah, a former world-class hurdler and receiver for the San Francisco 49ers.

Gatlin is listed as 6-foot-1 and 180 pounds, which certainly within the range of the right size for an NFL receiver. The one problem for Gatlin is that the NFL might not like having its pristine image tainted by a guy who was banned from another sport. Roger Goodell might lean on the Texans to avoid signing Gatlin, but if they're convinced that a speedy receiver like Gatlin is just what David Carr needs, that's a battle they'll be willing to fight.

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)

11-29-2006 @ 9:45AM

Trogdor said...

Could the NFL ban or suspend him on account of his previous positive tests? Any idea what kind of provisions are in the CBA for substance abuse violations outside of NFL tests? I know some people have been suspended for DUI arrests as substance abuse violations, so would it be unrealistic for track and field tests to count?

11-29-2006 @ 10:55AM

Bruno said...

If the Texans dont want him, have him call Matt Millen of the Detroit Lions. He would probably offer him a 5 year deal worth about 30 million. Good ol' Matt is a genius. Look what he's done for the Lions.

11-29-2006 @ 10:34AM

Smurf said...

A record-holding sprinter can- I've looked it up before- outrun a roadrunner. The mph story there is about 22-14.

The strange thing I found out in my research on the matter is that a coyote can also outrun a roadrunner(17 mph vs 14), and has the added advantage of being Wily... yet he never catches the little f*cker.

11-29-2006 @ 11:57AM

Art Coburn said...

It is about time that we fight to keep honor, morality and fair play in the sports arena. I'm sick and tired of sports allowing so many atheletes to dishonor the sport they represent. All for the sake of making money. It shows our young athletes a good role model doesn't it. "Forget the rules, if you are better than average the rules don't apply to you". So, young athletes are trying to circumvent the rules in high school - "Just like the pros, man".

11-29-2006 @ 12:46PM

doris said...

Why not? They made they made the wrong mistake for not signing Reggie Bush. Go for it! Give him a second chance to get it right.

11-29-2006 @ 1:11PM

jim said...

Like it or not most of the players in the NFL use illegal growth hormones already, Gatlin would just be going home..

11-29-2006 @ 3:29PM

Dr. Wil Ausborn said...

Can we honestly state that the entire NFL league of players is "clean and sober." Too often the public may be overly impressed by the league's attempt to set and maintain this standard. However, the standard is too low, as is the case with most sport leagues. If Justin can suit-up, practice, run, catch, and enhance his skills synthetically (without being caught), then he's no different from the majority!

11-29-2006 @ 1:47PM

Joe Charger said...

I have to agree with Bruno. His next stop should be Detroit if it doesn't work out in Houston. Matt Millen is an NFL geious and am sure can find a spot for him.

11-29-2006 @ 1:52PM

Bobby Whittlesonian said...

Gimme a break. The guy is 6'1 180 and a sprinter. Who cares if he took some growth hormones a few years back. Let him play. He won't make that much of a difference anyway. If you can't catch (particularly while running at full speed), it doesn't matter how fast you can run. He ain't nothing but a thang.

11-29-2006 @ 2:22PM

PAT WHITEHURST said...

PLEASE - PLEASE - ANYTHING THAT WILL HELP THE TEXANS - THEY STINK NOW - MAYBE IF THEY HAD TAKEN VINCE YOUNG IN THE DRAFT THEY WOULD BE BETTER BUT NOOOOOOOO!!! THEY COULD USE SOMETHING TO JUMP START THE OFFENSE BUT PROBABLY THE ONLY WAY THAT IS GOING TO HAPPEN IS TO GET RID OF CARR. HE REALLY STINKS.

11-29-2006 @ 2:49PM

mike said...

It is about time that we fight to stay responsible and keep honor, morality and fair play to our selves and the young people around us will look at us for examples and not the sports arena. I'm sick and tired of so called morally sound people allowing so many atheletes to dishonor the lives they supposedly represent. All for the sake of being self righteous or simply a lack of demonstrating how they can lead. People who expect this depends on young athletes to provide a good role model because personally they can�t influence people by setting their own routine examples. "Forget the rules, if you sit at home and just condemn them, then you are no better than the so called poor athlete role models you write about and the rules do apply to you as well". So, young athletes are trying to circumvent the rules in high school because some people can only state how they should behave instead of consistently leading them- "Just like the pros, show us and lead by the example man". Don�t expect your opinion to counteract your ability to consistently overcome bad examples set by others. Remember, �it�s not what you say it�s what you do that counts�, so stop telling others about how bad of influence others are and set the kind of example you believe people should follow. Or should we assume that only athletes have a responsibility to set examples for others?

11-29-2006 @ 2:52PM

Nate A. said...

The NFL has a "pristine image?" Since when? Have you read anything about any of the players on the Cincinnati Bengals lately? How about murderer Ray Lewis? Drug abuser Terrel Owens? Hold-up artist Maurice Clarrett? All the Miami Hurricanes currently in the NFL? The NFL is one sorry black joke.

11-29-2006 @ 3:08PM

matt jolly said...

thats gay it shouldnt matter what he did in the past all they need to do if he makes the team is give him another test and if the test postive dont let him on the team its that simple

11-29-2006 @ 3:56PM

ARTHUR ROBERTS said...

Well if we look back there have been many who have made poor decision in their life, but do we forget that JESUS will allow him to repent as we all have had to do one time or another.I think he should be giving a second chance and then we all will see how much and how serious he really is about his career

11-29-2006 @ 4:27PM

Ed Meehan said...

I have to say that the Texans could really use Gatlin. The offense could use the speed and athleticisim that he could bring to the team, and maybe (just maybe) he could help Carr look good...

11-29-2006 @ 4:22PM

Chris Street said...

He's no athlete to me. Drugs are against the rules and prevent people from playing. He broke the rules, he's paying for it. Good. When this guy is clean for sports, he will play. Until then, pay the price. I don't care how many "pro athletes" break the rules, there are still harder working true sportsmen who win with dedication and determination. The rest are dead to me.

11-29-2006 @ 4:49PM

Raphael said...

I'll really pay no attention to the substance abuse talk until there's a test for all involved with a sport, top to bottom, CEO's to beat writers. Oh yeah, television and radio people also. Since we're on the subject, all you who are making comments should fall in line for your test. nuff said

11-29-2006 @ 4:40PM

Don said...

All strength and speed sports are loaded with performance enhancing drug use, right down to the high school level. Whenever someone gets ostracized for getting caught, it makes me laugh.

11-29-2006 @ 4:57PM

ZAC said...

Everyone gets a second chance on life. So the guy screwed up once. Let him play (if he can play) and watch him close. He messes up again throw him out. But the way i see it he wouldn't work out for any team in the NFL, just becuase you have speed doesn't mean sh*t.