Source: Houston Texans linebacker Brian Cushing tested positive for banned fertility drug

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Houston Texans linebacker Brian Cushing, an All-American at USC, tested positive for a fertility drug that is on the NFL’s banned substance list, a person familiar with the case told the Associated Press.

According to the source, Cushing had one positive test for HCG last September before subsequently testing negative several times. ESPN first reported the banned substance.

Cushing has been suspended by the NFL for the first four games of next season. He appealed the suspension and a final decision was handed down last week.

He was a runaway winner for the Associated Press’ Defensive Player of the Year award in balloting by a nationwide panel of 50 sportswriters and broadcasters who cover the league.

The AP is conducting a revote for the award.

It was a prescription for HCG that led to a 50-game suspension of Dodgers outfielder Manny Ramirez last season.

-- Chuck Schilken

The Associated Press contributed to this report.