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Bills defensive end Anthony Hargrove, according to reports from Sirius Radio and WKBW in Buffalo, has failed a drug test and is set to be suspended for the entirety of the 2008 NFL season. Hargrove, who earlier this season was suspended for four games for a similarly failed test and was also arrested for an altercation outside a night club during training camp, will unquestionably face doubts as to whether he'll play in the NFL again.
The reserve defensive end is an unrestricted free agent heading into this off-season. With this year's suspension hanging over his head, it's very safe to assume that once it becomes official, his Bills career is over. The Bills may have had no interest in re-signing Hargrove before the suspension; it's virtually assured that his third strike against the law will ensure his exit from Buffalo's roster. Not only that, he may have run out of chances in the NFL in general. Hargrove was traded from St. Louis to Buffalo in 2006 after abruptly leaving Rams training camp practices - an odd move that cost him a starting position. It is unlikely that a team will take a chance on Hargrove in 2009, a year after a suspension, and with erratic behavior and statistically mediocre play predating the suspension.
Hargrove finished the 2007 season with 21 tackles and 1.5 sacks for the Bills. One of Buffalo's most energizing defenders, Hargrove saw time at both defensive and and inside at tackle on pass downs. He was also a solid performer on the team's kick coverage units. His likely departure means that the Bills will look to upgrade the defensive end position further this off-season, hopefully with a speed rusher.