Houston Texans' linebacker Brian Cushing had a fantastic 2009 campaign. The rookie linebacker from USC recorded 133 total tackles, 5 sacks, 4 interceptions, and 2 forced fumbles last season en route to winning the AP Defensive Rookie of the Year award.

But after a shocking announcement that the linebacker had tested positive for a banned substance during last season, it appears that Cushing's honor as top rookie is in doubt.

Earlier this week, the Texans and the rest of the NFL learned what Cushing had already knew. The linebacker will be suspended for the first 4 games of the 2010 NFL season after violating the league drug policy.

Apparently, the positive test came from a test conducted in September of 2009, during the first month of Cushing's NFL career. Cushing was told about his positive test, and the Texans were aware that the linebacker had "an issue" with the league, but weren't told the exact situation.

Texans owner Robert McNair had this to say: "Brian had mentioned that he had an issue there, but we don't know what any of the details are, we don't know what doctors he may have consulted with, we don't know what evidence that the league might have had [...] which is a very bad position to be in because we're the guy that's got the investment in the player. The league doesn't have any money invested in the player, the union doesn't have any money invested in the player, and yet they get the information and we don't."

For some reason, the NFL did not release the test or take any kind of action during the season. It was not until this week, May of 2010, that the league announced its plans to suspend Brian Cushing.

Since Cushing's positive test came at the beginning of the 2009 season, the AP voters that conducted the Rookie of the Year vote have decided to re-vote for the award.

"This is the first time we've encountered an issue like this," said Lou Ferrara, AP's managing editor for sports and entertainment. "Because these awards are based on on-field performance, we consider it necessary to review the matter and allow for a revote, especially after concerns were raised by many of our voters."

Houston went 9-7 in the 2009-10 year for their first ever winning season. Cushing's contribution on defense may have been the most impactful addition to the roster. His absence for the first 4 games of next season may leave an even bigger impact on the team.

- So here' what we know:

Brian Cushing tested positive for a non-steroid banned substance in September of 2009.

Cushing was aware of the test results, and the Texans were warned of an "issue" between the linebacker and the league.

Cushing completed his 2009 season without any punishment, and the Texans never heard more from the league.

Cushing won the AP Defensive Rookie of the Year award for the 2009 season.

The NFL released the positive test result and concurrent 4-game ban for Cushing in May of 2010, as the Texans learned about the news simultaneously with the rest of the general public

- So here's what needs to be answered:

Why was Cushing not suspended until 2010, after a positive test in 2009?

Why were the Houston Texans not told from the NFL about the results of the test?

Will the AP voters change their vote for 2009 Defensive Rookie of the Year? Might Jairus Byrd (2nd place) or Clay Matthews (3rd place) win after a re-vote?

And SHOULD the AP voters strip Cushing of the award, and vote another player for Rookie of the Year?

- These questions still remain as a result of the news of Brian Cushing's suspension. It seems completely wrong that a player can test positive for a banned substance and continue to play in that season. It's as if the NFL is trying to make it as convenient as possible for Cushing's suspension. The goal should be to suspend a violater immediately, in order to deter future players from using banned drugs.

Will the AP voters take enough offense from Cushing's ban that they will strip him of the award? The Houston linebacker won the 2009 Defensive ROY in a landslide vote, so it will have to be a near unanimous decision to strip Cushing of the award in order for a new player to win.

Whether Cushing remains the winner of the 2009 AP Defensive Rookie of the Year award is not the main issue here. The main problem lies in the sketchy situation that took place in September of 2009 with the NFL and Cushing. How can a player test positive and not be suspended? And how can the team not be aware of this?

It all seems fishy to me. We are all still searching for answers, and I hope the NFL League Office steps up and gives them to us.