On Friday, a federal judge ordered a Florida-based nutritional supplement company to pay over $5.4 million to St. Louis Rams linebacker David Vobora after intentionally misrepresenting the contents of one of their supplements.
Vobora's use of the product, which he did after researching the company and calling the hotline the league set up to answer questions about supplements, triggered a positive test for methyltestosterone and a four-game suspension during the 2009 season.
A seventh-round pick out of Idaho in 2008, Vobora signed a three-year, $1.175 million rookie contract and the four-game suspension cost him over $90,000 in base salary. According to the release, the damages reflect lost NFL wages and marketing opportunities, as well as $2 million for the damage done to Vobora's reputation.
"This monumental judgment cleared my family's name. We stuck together through threats, ridicule, and unfair stigma. Finally vindicated, I'm relieved that I can refocus on football and help the St. Louis Rams get back to the playoffs when the lockout ends. I'm grateful the Rams organization believed in my character through this trying process."
In 34 career games, including 16 starts, the 6-foot-1, 239-pound Vobora has 97 tackles, including 24 on special teams, and posted the first two quarterback sacks of his career last season. Prior to the lockout, the Rams placed an "Original Round" restricted free agent tender on Vobora, worth $1.2 million under the 2006 collective bargaining agreement.
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