American Football: Abraham to appeal results of random test

New York Jets defensive end John Abraham, alleged to have violated the terms of his aftercare treatment, will meet with league officials Wednesday to appeal the findings of a recent random test.

Even if the positive test is upheld, Abraham is not subject to suspension. As a second-time offender, he could be fined a maximum of four game checks, or $342,352, based on his 2004 salary of $1.455 million. He could be subject to suspension for any future violations if the current charge against him is upheld.

Test results allegedly indicated that Abraham, a fifth-year veteran, had high levels of alcohol in his system. Abraham entered the substance abuse program last October following a drunken driving arrest. Under terms of the program, he can be randomly tested 10 times per month and the league can put guidelines in place to restrict his alcohol consumption.

Citing confidentiality policies, neither the league nor Jets officials would comment on the charges. Abraham's agent, Tony Agnone, denies his client failed the test. Some published reports the last few days suggested Abraham took a polygraph test, and passed, and that he will present that report to league officials.

"John Abraham is currently addressing an issue with the NFL, which is confidential, and which we are not at liberty to discuss," Agnone said in a statement. "However, we can say that this issue will not interfere with his ability to be an active member of the New York Jets football team during the upcoming season."

While his long-term future with the Jets is tenuous, since he is in the final season of his original contract, Abraham is key to the new scheme implemented by first-year defensive coordinator Donnie Henderson. Primarily an end during his career, Abraham is also being used at linebacker in some 3-4 fronts, and rushing from a stand-up spot as opposed to the traditional three-point stance.

One of the Jets' four choices in the first round of the 2000 draft, Abraham's development has been slowed some by injuries the past couple of seasons, but he remains a consistent sack threat.

Abraham was arrested last Oct. 1 in Baldwin, N.Y., after driving his Hummer into a utility pole. He originally was charged with driving while intoxicated after police measured his blood-alcohol level at 0.26 percent, more than three times the legal limit in New York, and eventually pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of driving while impaired.

Coach Herm Edwards benched for the Oct. 12 game against Buffalo, but Abraham returned to the lineup the following week.