Coddling Cushing

If fans were hoping that Houston Texans linebacker Brian Cushing would lose a coveted award because he was exposed as a drug cheat, they got blindsided.

Incredibly, he won a second vote for NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year.

Granted, it was by a smaller margin – 18-13 over Buffalo safety Jairus Byrd. But as they say in sports, a win’s a win.

Last year, Cushing beat Byrd 39-6.

So the fact that he was caught using a drug commonly used by steroid abusers means … nothing.

The sportswriters who chose Cushing again apparently didn’t care he might not have been such a spiffy player if he hadn’t had a little help from the team trainer – or some drug dealer.

It’s disappointing, but not surprising.

From sport to sport, among players, owners and coaches, it’s “Don’t ask, don’t tell” when it comes to drugs.

To its credit, the media had largely refused to play along. It exposed baseball’s juicers and helped bring drug tests to that sport.

But the message sent by this vote is clear: Playing “clean” is not that important -- and maybe not important at all.

Here’s a thought: How about Cushing turning down the honor because he realizes he doesn’t deserve it?

I know; that kind of integrity went out with leather helmets.