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Cushing suspended 4 games for violating policy on performance-enhancing substances

Ole Miss Texan said:
What I think would be truly Ironic is if the stripped the award from Cushing, gave it to Byrd/Orakpo/Matthews and then a report comes out next week that the player was being suspended for the same the Cushing was. Maybe a test from October and they appealed it and lost. That would be absolutely awesome.

For what it's worth, I'm "okay" with them thinking about taking the award away from Cushing, just not right now. I wish they would let things play out for a while and not rush anything. There is ZERO point for them to do anything right now, ZERO, as opposed to waiting a little while.
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Agreed completely but Cushing's rep is working against him right here. He has been linked to the stuff for so long that when he tested positive the immediate assumption is steroids.
 
Jackie Chiles said:
Agreed completely but Cushing's rep is working against him right here. He has been linked to the stuff for so long that when he tested positive the immediate assumption is steroids.
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I don't disagree one bit, but that's why they should wait and not let emotions push this.

Reports from Schefter that Cushing passed a lie detector 'proving' he didn't take PEDs are a positive sign in the fans eyes/hearts, IMO. Regardless of the 4 game suspension and IF his award gets taken away - passing the lie detector should at least give us SOME comfort, no?
 
Ole Miss Texan said:
I don't disagree one bit, but that's why they should wait and not let emotions push this.

Reports from Schefter that Cushing passed a lie detector 'proving' he didn't take PEDs are a positive sign in the fans eyes/hearts, IMO. Regardless of the 4 game suspension and IF his award gets taken away - passing the lie detector should at least give us SOME comfort, no?
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I don't get much comfort in him missing 4 games so no.
 
NitroHonda said:
I don't get much comfort in him missing 4 games so no.
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Question: Would you rather Cushing have taken Steroids/PEDs and be suspended for 4 games... or would you rather Cushing NOT have taken Steroids/PEDs and be suspended for 4 games.

Either way he's suspended, there's nothing we can do abou that... the question is would you rather him have taken or not take PEDs??? I know what I'd rather.


Edit: but I know what you mean. lol
 
Ole Miss Texan said:
Question: Would you rather Cushing have taken Steroids/PEDs and be suspended for 4 games... or would you rather Cushing NOT have taken Steroids/PEDs and be suspended for 4 games.

Either way he's suspended, there's nothing we can do abou that... the question is would you rather him have taken or not take PEDs??? I know what I'd rather.


Edit: but I know what you mean. lol
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To be frank... I don't rightly care what he puts in his body...
 
GlassHalfFull said:
Eh, I am going to channel Thorn and tell them to kiss my ass.

They can revote all they want. Cushing won the award, and that is what people will remember. At least that is what I will remember.
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Yep. Who the **** cares what those asshats say after the fact? Cushing got 39 votes, that's all there is to it. Give the award to Jay Glazer for all I care, we all know who the best rookie was last year.
 
I never thought I'd ever see the day when I was avoiding the Texans Talk forum and spending my time in the No Sports Talk Allowed forums instead. The over reaction, not just from some of the people on this board, but the folks re voting for the DROY are just ****ing absurd.
 
The chronology of suspension events is further elucidated.......but not really explained as to why so delayed at every stage. Sounds somewhat screwy.

Last September, Cushing, who was the Texans’ first-round draft pick, taken 15th over all, provided the urine sample that tested positive. In February, after he had played all 16 games and made the Pro Bowl, he was permitted to file an appeal. Under the decision last week, he is suspended without pay.

A spokesman for the N.F.L., Brian McCarthy, said he could not comment on the length of time between the positive test result and the announcement of Cushing’s suspension.

“I would refer you to the policy on NFLmedia.com, which explains the testing and appeals process,” he said. “As you can see, due process can be lengthy.”

Gabe Feldman, the head of the sports law department at Tulane University, said the policy was not designed to take so long.

“It’s an intentionally deliberate process that gives players many layers of protection, but it’s also designed to get players who violated the program off the field,” Feldman said. “Something must have broken down. It could have been as simple as the lab took too long.”
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LINK
 
dalemurphy said:
That's ridiculous!

As Mark Schlereth pointed out, are they going to re-vote on Peppers DPOY because he tested positive and received a 4 game suspension also?

Having said that. Frankly, I'm glad he has extra motivation.
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I think it's stupid too. He tested positive before the season even started, so he was on the "watch-list" all through the year... he should have competed clean.

Now they go and do this, and then he won't be eligible for the Pro-Bowl in 2010...

just stupid.
 
thunderkyss said:
I think it's stupid too. He tested positive before the season even started, so he was on the "watch-list" all through the year... he should have competed clean.

Now they go and do this, and then he won't be eligible for the Pro-Bowl in 2010...

just stupid.
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We aren't really sure of that, in that the the regular season started the 2nd week of September.
 
hmmm so it would appear that more information is coming to light at time passes. My knee's are steady.

Again, for the record, for the umpteenth time, I'm not defending Cushing or suggesting that he's innocent of wrong doing. I'm simply saying don't be so quick to form your own "truths" when such little info is out there.

TC reported on twitter today that
StephStradley

Per @MJ4Sports , #Texans warned Cushing & S&C coach about risk of supplement causing positive test & they ignored it: http://bit.ly/aHOOMV
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... and so on...
 
GP said:
No, I am not accusing you of anything.

You were talking about us needing to wait until more information is available.

I was saying that people asked for the same patience during the Steve McNair murder-suicide, Ben's adventures, Tiger's wreck over Thanksgiving, etc. We all want to believe the people are innocent, but it seems where there's smoke there's eventually going to be some fire.

Cushing is using the protections afforded him (we'll not see the NFL release what substance he tested positive for) and stating that it wasn't steroids. And we're being asked to be patient and listen to what will be said.

What will be said is a bunch of dookie, dressed up in fine clothes. It's still dookie. He's missing four games AND the media and fans will forever have a punchline ready when talking about the Texans. I don't think there's anything the guy can say that I can trust, unless the NFL were to somehow release their information. Which they won't.
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That a bold statement (literally ;)) and I doubt that's true but I understand your intent.
I agree with you on many points and if he is truly innocent then I expect him to come forward with facts. But I can expect that not to happen. Even if he is innocent, I can see his defense team advising him to lay low and let it pass. Either way, I think statements like
but it seems where there's smoke there's eventually going to be some fire.
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are exactly what I'm trying to point out. 900 times out of 1000 that could be the case but that doesn't make the other 100 less valid. It's understandable in these times of immediate "information" that people jump to conclusions but they are not based in fact and that is my only point.

gtexan02 said:
I think GP has a point.

You have a guy who changed shape dramatically over a very short period of time.
A guy with steroid allegations following him since well before the draft.
A guy who comes in and dominated from day 1, playing through injuries and not practicing.
A guy who shows all the telltale side effects of steroids (specific injuries, etc)

And now you have a guy with a positive test and a 4 game suspension. His appeal was rejected outright.


It doesn't really matter what he tells us at this point. Its one thing to believe that our LS wasn't taking steroids. Look at him. But in the court of public opinion (this includes most fans and commentators) when it smells like a duck, walks like a duck, and quacks.... well, its probably a duck.

And realistically, it doesn't matter. He's gone for 4 games. A 4 game stretch when we REALLY needed him. Thats bad enough right there
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"probably" don't make it a freakin' Anatidae.

HOU-TEX said:
I made a comment last year on a shirtless picture of him someone had posted. I pointed out the swollen nipples that are normally caused by steroid use. So, I knew in the back of my mind he used in College. However, I didn't know he was dumb enough to continue in the NFL.

If it was truly roids or another type of PED, what are the odds we get the same player when he returns in 2010? Well, from my experience the odds are most definitely NOT in his favor.

In the end, will we see a roid-less Cushing continue to beast on the field? Or did we draft the next Brian Bosworth? Time will tell, but considering the horrible feeling I've had all weekend I'd have to bet on the latter
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really? that's how you knew? WOW. impressive doctor paper thin case. gimmie a break people. FACTS PLEASE!!!

beerlover said:
respectfully request moderators remove the steroid label.

thank you
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thank you!



NitroHonda said:
To be frank... I don't rightly care what he puts in his body...
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Nitro,

I really think you should care. Cheating takes away from the game and it really should matter to you that all players are given the same chance. Otherwise the game is much less enjoyable. What if they stopped playing the games and just used simulators?
 
Dutchrudder said:
I actually know several biochemistry, biology and nutrition experts who work for NASA and its contractors. They all work specifically with the astronauts or to develop food and other physiological processes for life in space (exercise, diets, etc). Those people probably could work in an industry like that, but I don't think they are the one's being laid off in the near future.
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As do I. And, like you, I doubt they will be the ones to lose their jobs due to Dubya's decision to cut shuttle.

But we digress....
 
Here it is: Brian Cushing tested positive for slightly elevated levels of hCG (a non-steroidal substance produced naturally by the body).

More hCG: it is in seminal fluid and slightly elevated levels can be discovered in the event that a test occurs soon after ejaculation.

http://twitter.com/Adam_Schefter

Created naturally by the body? How can that be on the banned list?

CnD can you help us out here?
 
JB said:
Here it is: Brian Cushing tested positive for slightly elevated levels of hCG (a non-steroidal substance produced naturally by the body).

More hCG: it is in seminal fluid and slightly elevated levels can be discovered in the event that a test occurs soon after ejaculation.

http://twitter.com/Adam_Schefter

Created naturally by the body? How can that be on the banned list?

CnD can you help us out here?
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Is he pregnant?
 
mexican_texan said:
I'm getting sick of this. Where was this self-righteous backlash when Shawne Merriman tested positive?
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Why does everyone keep using this phrase?It's not self-righteous to basically speak the truth about the NFL policy and to hold a guy accountable for screwing his team. Do you know that there is a hotline guys can call to ask is a supplement is legal. That simple. Merriman got ripped pretty good and continues to get ripped because he is a shell.
 
I was watching Mike & Mike in the Morning and they said that HCG can be used to rebuild testosterone after coming off a cycle of PEDs. Not sure how much weight this carries, but it is interesting.
 
JB said:
Here it is: Brian Cushing tested positive for slightly elevated levels of hCG (a non-steroidal substance produced naturally by the body).

More hCG: it is in seminal fluid and slightly elevated levels can be discovered in the event that a test occurs soon after ejaculation.

http://twitter.com/Adam_Schefter

Created naturally by the body? How can that be on the banned list?

CnD can you help us out here?
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Flip side RT @mortreport: hCG can be produced naturally; however it is also on banned lists 'cause it is known agent during steroid cycling.
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http://twitter.com/Adam_Schefter
 
Adam_Schefter
Here it is: Brian Cushing tested positive for slightly elevated levels of hCG (a non-steroidal substance produced naturally by the body).
23 minutes ago via UberTwitter

Adam_Schefter
More hCG: it is in seminal fluid and slightly elevated levels can be discovered in the event that a test occurs soon after ejaculation.

Adam_Schefter
Flip side RT @mortreport: hCG can be produced naturally; however it is also on banned lists 'cause it is known agent during steroid cycling.

About Cush and the substance
 
Anabolic steroid adjunct


In the world of performance enhancing drugs, hCG is increasingly used in combination with various anabolic androgenic steroid (AAS) cycles. As a result, hCG is included in some sports' illegal drug lists.

When AAS are put into a male body, the body's natural negative-feedback loops cause the body to shut down its own production of testosterone via shutdown of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis (HPGA). This causes testicular atrophy, among other things. hCG is commonly used during and after steroid cycles to maintain and restore testicular size as well as normal testosterone production.

High levels of AASs, that mimic the body's natural testosterone, trigger the hypothalamus to shut down its production of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) from the hypothalamus. Without GnRH, the pituitary gland stops releasing luteinizing hormone (LH). LH normally travels from the pituitary via the blood stream to the testes, where it triggers the production and release of testosterone. Without LH, the testes shut down their production of testosterone. In males, hCG helps restore and maintain testosterone production in the testes by mimicking LH and triggering the production and release of testosterone.

If hCG is used for too long and in too high a dose, the resulting rise in natural testosterone will eventually inhibit its own production via negative feedback on the hypothalamus and pituitary gland.
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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_chorionic_gonadotropin
 
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Leave Cushing alone!huuuuuuhhhhhh you bastards!
 
Anabolic steroid adjunct

In the world of performance enhancing drugs, hCG is increasingly used in combination with various anabolic androgenic steroid (AAS) cycles. As a result, hCG is included in some sports' illegal drug lists.

When AAS are put into a male body, the body's natural negative-feedback loops cause the body to shut down its own production of testosterone via shutdown of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis (HPGA). This causes testicular atrophy, among other things. hCG is commonly used during and after steroid cycles to maintain and restore testicular size as well as normal testosterone production.

High levels of AASs, that mimic the body's natural testosterone, trigger the hypothalamus to shut down its production of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) from the hypothalamus. Without GnRH, the pituitary gland stops releasing luteinizing hormone (LH). LH normally travels from the pituitary via the blood stream to the testes, where it triggers the production and release of testosterone. Without LH, the testes shut down their production of testosterone. In males, hCG helps restore and maintain testosterone production in the testes by mimicking LH and triggering the production and release of testosterone.

If hCG is used for too long and in too high a dose, the resulting rise in natural testosterone will eventually inhibit its own production via negative feedback on the hypothalamus and pituitary gland.
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Adam_Schefter
Here it is: Brian Cushing tested positive for slightly elevated levels of hCG (a non-steroidal substance produced naturally by the body).
23 minutes ago via UberTwitter

Adam_Schefter
More hCG: it is in seminal fluid and slightly elevated levels can be discovered in the event that a test occurs soon after ejaculation.

Adam_Schefter
Flip side RT @mortreport: hCG can be produced naturally; however it is also on banned lists 'cause it is known agent during steroid cycling.
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blogkimmy + adam_schefter = non-steroidal substance taken by Cushing which compensates for steroidal side-effects.

This wasn't a controversial new supplement that is iffy.

This WAS a product associated with compensating for the after-effects of steroidal use.

And exactly "how" is it that the there were people inside the Texans organization who warned of Cushing using this substance, when this substance is known to be associated with steroidal use? I was expecting that the substance was going to be well-distanced from steroids, but it wasn't.

The plot thickens, because people inside the Texans organization were aware of this. Unless they lied to the higher-ups and said it was y-substance instead of x-substance. ?

EDIT: I guess there could be deniability here. "Well, I was told Brian was on hooey-berry protein shakes. Obviously, he was taking hCG on the side without me knowing it." I would think that Brian would not risk the inclusion of other persons into the risky endeavor of hCG. I bet he's been controlling the information as much as possible, and/or Texans officials have been skirting the issue and letting the chips fall where they may. Just my hunch.
 
It just really sucks ... we've (I've) wanted 'National Media' for the Texans for a lonnnng time, this is not what I had in mind.

It will get a lot of people watching, though. Especially game 5.

I just don't want any part of suspicion or cheating. I don't care how good they are, people will ALWAYS assume there should be an asterisk next to any records, etc.

I love this team and will continue to support them.

Just curious though, will Cushing have security around him for All Access? Or will he be absent?
 
It appears that this is what Manny Ramirez was suspended for.

However, testing by Major League Baseball showed that Ramirez had testosterone in his body that was not natural and came from an artificial source, two people with knowledge of the case told ESPN's Mark Fainaru-Wada and T.J. Quinn. The sources said that in addition to the artificial testosterone, Ramirez was identified as using the female fertility drug human chorionic gonadotropin, or hCG.

The sources said Ramirez was suspended for using hCG because baseball had documentation to prove his use of the drug. A Major League Baseball source said Ramirez's representatives indicated they would fight a suspension for using artificial testosterone.

Ramirez, in a statement issued by the players' union, said: "Recently, I saw a physician for a personal health issue. He gave me a medication, not a steroid, which he thought was OK to give me.

Recently I saw a physician for a personal health issue. He gave me a medication, not a steroid, which he thought was OK to give me. Unfortunately, the medication was banned under our drug policy. Under the policy that mistake is now my responsibility. I have been advised not to say anything more for now. I do want to say one other thing; I've taken and passed about 15 drug tests over the past five seasons. I want to apologize to Mr. McCourt, Mrs. McCourt, Mr. Torre, my teammates, the Dodger organization, and to the Dodger fans. LA is a special place to me and I know everybody is disappointed. So am I. I'm sorry about this whole situation.

"Unfortunately, the medication was banned under our drug policy. Under the policy that mistake is now my responsibility. I have been advised not to say anything more for now. I do want to say one other thing; I've taken and passed about 15 drug tests over the past five seasons."
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http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=4148907
 
barrett said:
really? that's how you knew? WOW. impressive doctor paper thin case. gimmie a break people. FACTS PLEASE!!!
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Either way, I'm still going to support Cushing and look forward to watching how he's able to rebound from all this.
 
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I am noticing a pattern here:

1. "I took a non-steroidal substance." (it wasn't STEROIDS!!!! LOL)

2. "I have passed x-amount of tests." (i can beat the test, by the way)

Not sure if Cushing will use 3. "I saw a doctor and he recommended it to me," and 4. "It was a mistake and I regret it."
 
Kaiser Toro said:
"Not a Cushing fan anymore huh? Well when all this is cleared up im sure you will be much more comfortable admitting to being a Texans fan."
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Im sorry.. I didnt know that you would get so butt hurt over that statement that your sense of humor would shrivel away.
 
Grid said:
Im sorry.. I didnt know that you would get so butt hurt over that statement that your sense of humor would shrivel away.
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:megafacepalm:

Why are you so angry?

There are all types of emotions and concerns and opinions regarding this situation. I think 100% of this board agrees that we want Cushing back on the field and to remain our smack-daddy at the SAM for years to come.

People are split on what they feel right now, regarding the enormous fallout and mess that's been created by Cushing and Cushing alone. It's part of being a fan (someone who roots for a team) and it's different for everyone.

We need to all listen to The Beatles "Let it be..." (and I don't even like The Beatles, btw)
 
JB said:
Here it is: Brian Cushing tested positive for slightly elevated levels of hCG (a non-steroidal substance produced naturally by the body).

More hCG: it is in seminal fluid and slightly elevated levels can be discovered in the event that a test occurs soon after ejaculation.

http://twitter.com/Adam_Schefter

Created naturally by the body? How can that be on the banned list?

CnD can you help us out here?
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HCG in routine semen testing is essentially so low that it is undetectable. When detected by ultra sophisticated research tools, and certainly in the case of routine testing, there is cause for concern regarding the possible presence of conditions such as testicular or prostate cancer........if there is no “external” substance exposure to explain it.

Remember these are not isolated direct semen tests........they are urine tests. Furthermore, if urine samples are collected, even immediately following ejaculation, the semen contents within the urine would be so extremely diluted that any possibility of detection would be less than minuscule.

Therefore, with the test being run times 2 (test “A” and test “B” as per the NFL Policy for positive results), and with both being positive............I’ll leave conclusions up to you all.
 
JB said:
Here it is: Brian Cushing tested positive for slightly elevated levels of hCG (a non-steroidal substance produced naturally by the body).

More hCG: it is in seminal fluid and slightly elevated levels can be discovered in the event that a test occurs soon after ejaculation.

http://twitter.com/Adam_Schefter

Created naturally by the body? How can that be on the banned list?

CnD can you help us out here?
Click to expand...

hCG is commonly used by guys who use steroids when they're cycling off of steroids. It re-stimulates their natural testosterone production.

Remember, testosterone is naturally created by the body, too. It's about having unnaturally high levels (or incorrect ratios) of it that's the issue.
 
CloakNNNdagger said:
HCG in routine semen testing is essentially so low that it is undetectable. When detected by ultra sophisticated research tools, and certainly in the case of routine testing, there is cause for concern regarding the possible presence of conditions such as testicular or prostate cancer........if there is no “external” substance exposure to explain it.

Remember these are not isolated direct semen tests........they are urine tests. Furthermore, if urine samples are collected, even immediately following ejaculation, the semen contents within the urine would be so extremely diluted that any possibility of detection would be less than minuscule.

Therefore, with the test being run times 2 (test “A” and test “B” as per the NFL Policy for positive results), and with both being positive............I’ll leave conclusions up to you all.
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Would there be any other reason to take this other than as part of a steroid cycle?
 
GP said:
:megafacepalm:

Why are you so angry?

There are all types of emotions and concerns and opinions regarding this situation. I think 100% of this board agrees that we want Cushing back on the field and to remain our smack-daddy at the SAM for years to come.

People are split on what they feel right now, regarding the enormous fallout and mess that's been created by Cushing and Cushing alone. It's part of being a fan (someone who roots for a team) and it's different for everyone.

We need to all listen to The Beatles "Let it be..." (and I don't even like The Beatles, btw)
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You didn't see the response he got from posting a facepalm picture? It's not one-sided here.
 
Everybody hears PED and assumes steroids. There are all sorts of things that can trigger a positive including scenarios where no compound is found at all. For example Floyd Landis lost his Tour de France title over a ratio of testosterone to epitestosterone. That ratio was designed to catch people injecting testosterone. Problem? - his testosterone was normal but his epitestosterone was abnormally low throwing the ratio off. Nobody in the cycling authorities could explain how that would ever be performance enhancing but they enforced the ratio anyway.

Edit - so it turns out he did get popped for a natural substance level rather than a foreign substance.
 
How long do cycles last? Lets say he was masking it... but was not taking them by the time the season came around. Would the cycle he possibly tried to cover up enhance his performance that much all season? My concern is his performance moving forward clean.
 
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