INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – The notice from the NFL was awaiting Pat McAfee when he returned to work Monday morning.
A urine sample was required – randomly of course – after the Pro Bowl punter averaged 58.6 yards on five punts in the Indianapolis Colts’ preseason win over the Buffalo Bills.
“It’s a compliment,’’ McAfee said, smiling.
And he saw it coming.
“I knew this was going to happen,’’ he said. “In the second half when I wasn’t punting, I talked to (Adam) Vinatieri and told him, ‘I think I’m probably going to get tested.’
“You average 59 yards a punt. If I hadn’t gotten tested I think I would have been more offended than getting tested. It’s a compliment.’’
McAfee was quick to share his latest “random’’ test notification with his Twitter followers, which exceed 450,000.
Guys… pic.twitter.com/dpqLhzqBDa
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) August 15, 2016
He also took a playful jab at the random nature of the urine tests for steroids.
“I think what random means is your name gets drawn out of a hat,’’ McAfee said. “It could also mean they see some stuff happening that is mind-blowing, so your name shows up on the list.
“But I seem to get tested more than others. I view it as a compliment.’’
McAfee believes he’s been “randomly’’ tested 10 or 11 times.
Two have been noteworthy.
In April, he playfully tweeted about 4/20, a code-term for the use of marijuana. On April 21, he was randomly selected for a urine test.
When you tweet 🔥 on 4/20.. Can't make this up pic.twitter.com/6hoasLoGML
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) April 21, 2016
In an Oct. 20, 2013 game against Denver, McAfee delivered a massive hit on a kickoff return by Trindon Holliday. On Oct. 21, another notification from the NFL was tacked to his locker.
Guys… Make one random tackle… And end up on a "Random" steroid test.. Must be my bod #UpperBodyOfAnAdolescent pic.twitter.com/s9B7LrS89Y
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) October 21, 2013
McAfee is no stranger to offering the NFL urine samples. He was put in the league’s testing program following a 2010 arrest for public intoxication.
“I was in the program for 27 months,’’ he said. “I had a lot of pee tests; eight times a month.’’
McAfee provided 217 samples.
“Passed ‘em all,’’ he said.
I'm not in "the program".. I just have a cannon that rings some alarms I assume.. T'is quite the compliment. https://t.co/qJiaWKbc7A
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) August 15, 2016
Medical update:
Linebacker Sio Moore likely will miss several weeks after suffering what coach Chuck Pagano described as a “pretty significant’’ injury to his left hamstring against the Bills.
Guard Denzelle Good was back at practice Monday despite sustaining a lower quad/knee-area contusion.
“He’s going to be fine,’’ Pagano said.
X-rays were negative on the left ankle/foot of offensive lineman Kevin Graf, but he’s considered week-to-week. Cornerback Darius White was evaluated after the game for a concussion, but results were negative and he was on the practice field Monday.
Pagano said guard Hugh Thornton remains week-to-week with an injury to his right foot. Thornton’s continued absence might make it difficult for him to secure a spot on the 53-man active roster.
Roster moves:
The team claimed guard Donovan Williams off waivers from Chicago and waived punter Michael Palardy.
