Well, this is unfortunate.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter is reporting that Marcell Dareus has been handed a four-game suspension for violating the league’s substance abuse policy. Dareus is a two-time Pro Bowler at defensive tackle, was the third overall pick in the 2011 draft, and signed a $100 million extension last fall.
This offense is reportedly for a failed marijuana test, and would actually be his second suspension under the substance-abuse policy:
Dareus can appeal the suspension, which would keep him out of the first four games of the regular season. The sixth-year defensive tackle was previously suspended for the first game of the 2015 season for a violation of the substance abuse policy following a May 2014 arrest in Alabama for criminal possession of a controlled substance.
The Bills are already thin on the defensive line, as rookie linebacker Shaq Lawson is on the PUP list after shoulder surgery back in May.
Buffalo released a statement about the suspension.
We are very disappointed Marcell chose to put himself first, before his teammates, coaches and the rest of the organization through his recent actions. From ownership down we have made it clear his behavior is unacceptable. We will continue to take the necessary steps to work with him in order that he adheres to the policies set forth by our league. As an organization, we will move forward with our preparations for the start of the 2016 NFL season in Baltimore on September 11.
Dareus also released a statement on his Instagram page.
With deepest regrets I want to apologize to the @BuffaloBills organization, my fans, my family and the entire NFL football community for the incident that led to me missing 4 games for the upcoming 2016-2017 season. I will not #makeexcuses for the events in question and will allow the process to proceed as is required by the @NFL; however, please know and understand I am committed to the game and am more committed to my #Billsorganization and fans. This temporary setback will only fuel my desire and commitment to bring #Buffalochampionships and the #SuperBowl. I ask at this time that you continue to #believe in me and I will continue to invest all that I have to bring honor and respect to the organization and my fans and ultimately bring #Buffalomafia what it deserves – a #SuperBowl! Thank you for continuing to support me – I will rise above this setback, as with every challenge brings an opportunity for growth and supreme #success!
It will be interesting to see how marijuana is treated under the substance abuse policy going forward, since it’s legal in multiple states already, with more ballot measures for legalization up for a vote this November. Any change will obviously come too late for Dareus, who can still appeal his suspension.
[ESPN]
