Vobora awarded millions

Former Mr. Irrelevant David Vobora, a linebacker for the St. Louis Rams, won a $5.4 million default judgment against a supplement company whose tainted product caused him to fail an NFL drug test that resulted in a four-game suspension.

Vobora, the last pick in the 2008 NFL Draft out of Idaho, became the first Mr. Irrelevant to start an NFL game as a rookie since Marty Moore started at fullback for the New England Patriots in 1994.

U.S. District Judge Rodney Sippel awarded judgment to Vobora for his lawsuit against S.W.A.T.S., which sold the product “Ultimate Sports Spray” that contained the banned substance methyl testosterone.

After using the spray, Vobora failed a drug test resulting in $90,000 in lost wages.

The judgment awarded $3.04 million for the loss of future income, $2 million for damage to reputation, $170,000 for the loss of performance bonuses, and $100,000 for the loss of marketing endorsements, in addition to the aforementioned $90,000 in salary.

“The court heard testimony that the positive drug test and resulting suspension made Mr. Vobora less marketable than other similarly situated players who have not been suspended,” Sipple wrote. “Mr. Vobora is less marketable not only due to his tarnished reputation, but also because he has one strike against him under the NFL’s performance [enhancing] drug protocol.”

Vobora has played in 34 games and started 16 in three seasons with the Rams. He has 97 career tackles.

— From staff reports