I don't think there was ever any doubt...
Texans outside linebacker Brian Cushing retained his Associated Press Defensive Rookie of the Year Award on Wednesday.
Cushing kept the award despite being suspended four games last week for violating the NFL’s substance-abuse policy. A panel of 50 writers and broadcasters who cover the league made the decision in an unprecedented revote that concluded at 11 a.m. Wednesday.
"I'm very, very happy that I was able to keep the award," Cushing said. "A lot of voters stuck with me, and I really appreciate that. I'm excited and honored, just like I was the first time."
In the revote, Cushing received 18 votes to finish ahead of Buffalo safety Jairus Byrd (13).
You can't unring a bell...
We all know what we saw.
Here is a little more from SI.com...
The AP decided to have a revote, with a Wednesday noon deadline.
That revote gave Cushing 18 votes from a nationwide panel of 50 sports writers and broadcasters who cover the league. Buffalo safety Jairus Byrd received 13 votes, and Green Bay linebacker Clay Matthews III got 12. Washington linebacker Brian Orakpo earned three votes, and St. Louis linebacker James Laurinaitis got one.
"I'm good," Byrd said, referring to the result. "Yeah, I'm fine with it."
One voter was not available to cast a ballot, and two voters abstained. In all, 19 voters switched from Cushing to another player, and one voted for Cushing after picking Byrd originally.
In the original balloting in January, Cushing received 39 votes to six for Byrd, three for Matthews and two for Orakpo.
Abstaining from your vote is weak! Stand up and be counted!!
It was reported that Cush popped positive in September. I don't remeber where I saw it, but i read somewhere that he was tested throughout the season and he passed every test so in my eyes his performance during the season was not enhanced. He deserved the award.
Maybe now blowhards like that the insufferable Peter King will pipe down.
UPDATE: Here is a pretty good take from ESPN's Chris Mortensen. He was one of the two who abstained.
Sorry haters...better luck next time!