UPDATE (4:15 p.m. ET): Buffalo Bills defensive tackle Marcell Dareus has been suspended four games for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy, the team confirmed Tuesday.
The Bills issued the following statement:
“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 Sept. 11.”
Dareus will be eligible to return to action in Week 5.
ORIGINAL STORY: Marcell Dareus said last month he “would hate” if Tom Brady was suspended for the New England Patriots’ Week 4 matchup with the Buffalo Bills.
Now it appears both Brady and Dareus will watch that game from home.
Dareus, one of the Bills’ best defensive players, is facing a four-game suspension for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy, according to multiple reports Tuesday.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter and NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport both reported, citing league sources, that Dareus’ violation was the result of a positive marijuana test. This would be the second suspension of his six-year pro career, following a one-game ban last season.
The Bills also could be without Manny Lawson to begin the season, as the defensive end is facing a one-game suspension for violating the league’s personal conduct policy, league sources told The Buffalo News on Tuesday. Both players can appeal their suspensions.
These are just the latest dominoes to fall in what has been a disastrous month for the Buffalo defense, which already lost linebakcers Reggie Ragland and IK Enemkpali to season-ending ACL tears. Top draft pick Shaq Lawson also is expected to miss at least the first few weeks of the season after undergoing offseason shoulder surgery.
Thumbnail photo via Kevin Hoffman/USA TODAY Sports Images
