Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Joseph in substance abuse program


Shalrie Joseph is regarded by many to be the elite player in Major League Soccer, and both the MLS and New England Revolution were dealt a major blow today when it was released that Joseph will not be with the team while he is involved in the Major League Soccer substance abuse and behavioral health program, according to team sources.

The Revolution announced Monday Joseph would be taking an “indefinite leave of absence to attend to a personal matter,’’ stating he left the team last Saturday.

At the time, Revolution vice president of player personnel Michael Burns and Joseph’s agent, Ron Waxman, confirmed the leave of absence was not soccer-related, and did not involve contract problems or injury.

Joseph sustained a hip flexor strain before the season opener and has played in only one of the Revolution’s five games. He was listed as probable before Saturday’s game but did not suit up for a 2-1 loss to Colorado.

League policy regarding drug testing restricts comments by team administrators. Said Burns yesterday, “I can’t confirm or deny anything.’’

Joseph, a 31-year-old who has excelled at several positions on the team, joined the Revolution in 2003.

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