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Bills RB Sent for Doping Test After Week 13 Win vs Steelers

Buffalo, NY – Just moments after delivering a standout performance in the Buffalo Bills' 26-7 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 13, running back James Cook was abruptly pulled aside for a "random" NFL drug test — a move that sparked outrage among fans and drew a fiery response from his head coach.

James Cook Dominates… Then Gets Tested?

James Cook is in the midst of a career-defining 2025 season. Through 12 weeks, he has already racked up 1,287 rushing yards, 9 touchdowns, and 203 receiving yards, powering the Bills to an 8-4 record — well ahead of preseason projections.

James Cook's contract standoff with Bills reaches third practice -  Sportsnet.ca

Against the Steelers, Cook was once again electric:

  • 19 carries, 121 rushing yards, 2 touchdowns

  • Several highlight-reel runs breaking tackles with ease

  • Stepped up when Josh Allen faced heavy pressure

  • But as soon as the game ended, NFL officials approached Cook during his media session and escorted him away for an immediate drug screening.

    Coach McDermott Calls It “Ridiculous”

    Bills coach Sean McDermott has never seen anything like 2019 Patriots  defense: 'It's unbelievable' - masslive.com

    Head coach Sean McDermott didn’t hold back when asked about the incident:

    “I think it’s ridiculous. This kid has worked his tail off for two years, and nobody paid attention. Now he finally breaks out and they immediately drag him into a doping test? If that’s how the league views player development, it’s honestly disappointing.”

    McDermott emphasized that the timing of the test felt more like punishment for success than a genuine protocol.

    James Cook: From Doubt to Dominance

    After a breakout 2024 campaign (16 rushing TDs, league leader) and signing a 4-year, $48M contract, analysts expected a regression. Instead, Cook has doubled down, earning AFC Offensive Player of the Month in September and entering early MVP conversations alongside Josh Allen.

    One NFL analyst put it bluntly: “James Cook is the only Bills player playing exactly up to his contract — or better.”

    Fans Outraged on Social Media

    The NFL community exploded on X (formerly Twitter):

    • “James Cook gets drug tested for being too good? Seriously?”

  • “NFL always does this. Player balls out, and boom — doping test. Disrespectful.”

  • The NFL Officially Fines the Chiefs for Violating Concussion Protocol, Leading to a Situation Where a Wide Receiver’s Career Could Be in Jeopardy
    BREAKING: The Kansas City Chiefs have just been HIT with massive fines by the NFL after deliberately ignoring mandatory concussion protocol on star wide receiver Rashee Rice, and the consequences could end his career before age 25. It all went down in Week 14 against the Houston Texans. Late in the third quarter, Texans safety Jalen Pitre delivered a brutal (but legal) hit that sent Rashee Rice crashing to the turf. His body went limp, arms showed the classic “fencing posture” response linked to head trauma, and he immediately grabbed his helmet in pain. Any normal team would have rushed him straight to the blue medical tent. The Chiefs? They did NOTHING. No sideline evaluation. No concussion protocol activated. No explanation. Now the league has spoken: Kansas City has been found GUILTY of violating player safety rules and has been slapped with heavy fines just days after Mike Florio (Pro Football Talk) first exposed the incident. Sources say the penalties could climb into the hundreds of thousands, with potential loss of draft picks still on the table. Worse yet – independent neurologists are now warning that if Rice suffered an undetected concussion and was allowed back on the field, the long-term brain damage could be irreversible. We’re talking CTE risk, memory loss, and a very real chance his NFL career is already over at just 24 years old. This isn’t the league’s first rodeo: The New York Giants were fined $200K + Brian Daboll $100K just for peeking into the tent and yelling at doctors The Chiefs’ violation is being called “far more egregious” Rashee Rice has gone silent on social media and is reportedly undergoing extensive follow-up testing. Insider reports claim there’s a growing chance he misses the rest of the 2025 season – or worse. With Kansas City clinging to an 11% playoff chance and now drowning in this player-safety scandal, the reigning champs have officially become the NFL’s biggest villain of 2025. Was protecting a win that night worth potentially destroying a young star’s future? Drop your take below – no holding back.