Clint Dempsey still faces more potential punishment

So now that we know Clint Dempsey has been suspended three MLS matches for returning a logbook to a referee, is the matter over? No! We get to drag this on at least into next week.

As I wrote earlier this week, the U.S. Open Cup Adjudication and Discipline Panel ("ADP") is still gathering evidence to determine if any additional punishment is warranted.  Their hearing and decision is expected next week.

The ADP is a panel of five, appointed by the USOC Commissioner (Paul Marstaller this year), and consists of one representative from the amateur leagues, one from each of the participating professional leagues (NASL, USL, MLS), and one player who is not participating in the tournament.

The USOC Commissioner is to review all cards given in USOC matches (doubtful this actually happens) and refer specific cases to the ADP for further review for possible additional punishments beyond the normal punishments for yellows and reds. Marstaller referred Dempsey's actions to the ADP for review.

Any punishment handed down by the ADP will be limited to the Open Cup, similar to Cuauhtemoc Blanco's two-year suspension for serious violent conduct (punching and headbutting and maybe even gouging a eye).  Blanco was not suspended in MLS.

Any decision by the ADP could be appealed to the USOC Committee, which would be final with, I believe, no opportunity for appeal.

I would expect the ADP to suspend Dempsey somewhere between 1 and 3 additional games, in line with MLS's suspension, but the possibility is there for a full USOC year ban.

Hopefully, with the ADP's decision, we can put this all to rest.