Major League Soccer announced Friday that Columbus Crew forward Edson Buddle will undergo an assessment pursuant to MLS' Substance Abuse and Behavioral Health ("SABH") Policy. He will not be eligible for competition until that assessment is complete and he is cleared for participation by the SABH Program doctors.
"The league's SABH Policy is very clear in its application here," said Crew General Manager Mark McCullers. "Our first priority and primary concern is for Edson's health and well-being. We look forward to him returning to the team as soon as possible."
The Crew, 14 points away from the fourth and final MLS Cup Playoff spot in the East with two games in hand, return to action on Sunday, when they travel to Giants Stadium to face the MetroStars in a critical Eastern Conference clash at 6 p.m. (ET). The game is televised locally on the Ohio News Network and nationally via Direct Kick.
