Former USU running back Robert Turbin tests positive for PEDs
Former Utah State star and current Indianapolis Colts running back Robert Turbin announced via his Twitter account that he tested positive for a banned substance according to the NFL’s performance enhancing drugs policy.
The 28-year-old back faces a likely four-game suspension, missing games against the Cincinnati Bengals, Washington Redskins, Philadelphia Eagles and Houston Texans before being eligible to play against the New England Patriots on Oct. 4.
Turbin said he “made a mistake” by testing positive and that he is “truly sorry” for how his actions will impact the his team.
“It absolutely kills me that I allowed this to happen,” Turbin said in his Twitter statement. “It has always been a priority in my life to display a high level of leadership both on and off the field. I strive to be a person that people can look up to and strive to exemplify the definition of hard work.”
— Robert Turbin (@RobT_33) June 29, 2018
In four seasons with the Aggies, Turbin set a school record with 51 career touchdowns scored and finished third all-time in yards from scrimmage with 4,160. In his final year with the team, Turbin ran for 1,517 yards (19 yards shy of the USU single-season record) and scored 23 total touchdowns (most all-time in a single year).
Turbin’s college success led to him being drafted in the fourth round by the Seattle Seahawks in 2012. He played three seasons there, rushing 231 times for 928 yards and gaining 427 yards as a pass-catcher. In 2015, he spent time with both the Cleveland Browns and the Dallas Cowboys before landing in Indianapolis in 2016 where he spent the last two seasons.
Last year, Turbin only appeared in six games, carrying the ball 23 times for 53 yards and one touchdown. He also caught nine passes for 56 yards. However, with the Colts moving on from Frank Gore, the team’s starter from last season, Turbin was likely to see more touches and was practicing with the first team during the Colts’ practices this offseason.