Denver Broncos running back Travis Henry will not face a suspension after winning his drugs appeal.
Running back avoids the possibility of one-year suspension
Denver Broncos running back Travis Henry has won his appeal against the NFL after testing positive for a substance - reportedly marijuana - in September.
If the appeal had failed then the 29-year-old could have faced a one-year suspension.
"The Denver Broncos today were informed by the National Football League that running back Travis Henry has won his appeal," the Broncos said in a statement.
"We are pleased with this outcome and happy that Travis has been absolved of any wrongdoing with respect to this matter."
Court order
Henry had attempted to get a court order to block the NFL from using a specimen of urine against him and to also stop them from publishing the test results.
Court papers stated his claim that the NFL failed to allow his own representatives be present for testing of the specimen - a violation of their policy. The league heard his appeal in mid-November.
And, after the player had passed a series of tests conducted by the team, coach Mike Shanahan expressed his belief that Henry was in fact innocent of the charge.
Nevertheless, Henry, a second-round pick for the Buffalo Bills in 2001, was suspended for four games in 2005 for testing positive for an illegal substance while playing for the Tennessee Titans.
He signed a five-year contract to join Denver in the off-season and led the league in rushing with 433 yards gained during the first four games.
Since then, injuries have kept Henry on the sidelines for four games, although he returned to rush for 49 yards and two touchdowns in last Sunday's 34-20 loss at the Oakland Raiders.
