[Quesadilla Joe]

A clean Von Miller dismissed from NFL's drug program

As Denver Broncos star linebacker Von Miller was dealing with his six-game suspension for violating the NFL's substance abuse program two years ago, he said there was nothing he could say to earn trust back from his team and fans, only actions.

His actions have been tangibly rewarded as a league source told 9NEWS that because Miller has not tested positive for the past two years, he is no longer in the league's drug program.

After getting tested multiple times a week for two years as a player who was in Stage 3 of the NFL's substance abuse program, Miller's status has been resent to zero. He has not been drug tested in more than a month. He is not even in stage 1.

Credit Miller's perseverance for getting dropped from the league's substance-abuse program and elevating his bargaining leverage. Besides staying free of drugs – a positive test for marijuana was the reason he was initially placed in the league's drug program -- Miller took on the responsibility as the Broncos' assistant union representative last year. He was the only Broncos' veteran player to speak to the team's rookies during a media workshop in May.

"I'm very proud of how much he has grown over the past couple of years," Branion said. "He's done a heckuva job and overcome some major obstacles that few players are able to do. And for a high-profile guy, it's especially difficult. For him to not only grow, but to proactively take on leadership roles, I'm proud of him. He turned the ship around. He should be lauded for that."

http://www.9news.com/story/sports/20...ncos/31005297/