THE BEAT GOES ON. New Orleans Saint Hollis Thomas is suspended.

The Saints suffered a big blow to their defense Tuesday when they found out defensive tackle Hollis Thomas, who is having a career year, is being suspended for four games because he violated the league's steroid policy due to asthma medication he takes.

Thomas has been challenging the positive steroid test and had the support of the Saints. Thomas is a 335-pound defensive tackle who has struggled to keep his weight down and doesn't have the body that normally would be linked to steroids.

During his August drug test, the 11-year veteran out of Northern Illinois was taking an asthma product called Advair twice a day while also using an inhaler four times a day.

If New Orleans makes the playoffs, Thomas would be eligible to play. He can be added to the active roster on Jan. 1, 2007, the day after the regular season ends.

I'll classify the suspension as a potential flaw in professional football's substance abuse policy.

Closer to home, the university remains closemouthed about Tuesday's dust-up in the technology department.