If you're surprised at this latest news regarding Dwayne Bowe -- he was suspended one game for violating the NFL's substance-abuse policy -- you haven't been paying attention.
You remember his four-game suspension in 2009 for performance-enhancing drugs. You recall that earlier in his career, Bowe repeatedly reported to camp in lousy physical condition. You know dependability isn't Bowe's strong suit, despite his three 1,000-yard seasons.
And now the Kansas City Chiefs will be without their most accomplished wide receiver for the season-opening game against the Tennessee Titans.
Bowe, in a statement through the NFL Players Association, apologized to his teammates and coaches and Chiefs fans. I don't doubt his sincerity. But it doesn't change the fact that the Chiefs can't count on him when they kick off a new season.
They will survive against the Titans without Bowe. Their other starting wide receiver, Donnie Avery, had a big game against Tennessee this past season. The Chiefs can cobble together a competent receiving group for one game, with Junior Hemingway, Kyle Williams, A.J. Jenkins and Albert Wilson. They might also go more to a good group of receiving tight ends or Pro Bowl tailback Jamaal Charles that day.
Next time, however, will the Chiefs be fortunate enough to lose Bowe for only one game and against one of the weaker opponents on their schedule?
Because there's one thing we know, if we've been paying attention: Bowe will eventually let the Chiefs down again.
