Joseph’s leave: Substance abuse

Boston.com’s Frank Dell’Apa just reported that Revolution midfielder and captain Shalrie Joseph asked for and was granted a leave of absence in order to enter MLS’s substance abuse and behavioral health program.

There’s been much discussion surrounding the reason for Joseph’s leave since it was announced on Monday morning.  With his agent confirming last night that it was due neither to injury nor reasons related to the team or contract, there were really only two other options: a serious and private family matter (and even that would have been explained at least to that extent), or something like this.

And really, the silence probably could have told it all.  Dell’Apa writes:

League policy regarding drug testing restricts comments by team administrators.

Though to that end, we also do not know whether or not Joseph failed a test.  This story is likely to blow up in the next couple of days — we’ll see what details come out of the whirlwind sure to hit.

No word as to what kind of demons Joseph’s dealing with here.  If it were a PED issue, he likely would not have asked for the leave, so it’s probably a recreational problem.  I should disclaim that this is pure speculation and that I’m admittedly not very familiar with MLS’s substance abuse policies (feel free to help me out!).  If it’s the case, though, then it’s good to see that Joseph’s seeking out help; it indicates that he is taking the initiative to put an end to it and not let it become any more of a distraction.  We wish him the best as he tries to get over what must be something of a serious problem if it’s costing him games in the middle of the season.  Here’s to a quick recovery, for both his sake and that of the Revolution.

We’ll have more on this story as it develops further.