The Buffalo Bills’ team announced the NFL suspended the star defensive tackle for violating the league’s substance abuse policy for the second time in two years. This time the discipline is more severe for Buffalo’s highest-paid player.
After sitting out the season opener last year, Dareus was suspended without pay for the first four games of this season. “From ownership down, we have made it clear his behaviour is unacceptable,” the Bills said in a statement. “We are very disappointed Marcell chose to put himself first, before his teammates, coaches, the rest of the organization and fans through his recent actions.”
Without going into detail, the Bills said they would continue taking “the necessary steps” to work with Dareus.
The team did not reveal any details or name the substance Dareus used that led to the suspension.
Dareus can continue practicing and playing through the preseason. His suspension begins the week before the Bills open the season at Baltimore on Sept. 11. Dareus will be eligible to rejoin the team on Oct. 3, a day after Buffalo plays at New England. Dareus is a five-year starter since being selected with the No. 3 pick in the 2011 draft. Last year, the Bills signed him to the most expensive contract in team history, a seven-year deal potentially worth $104 million US.
The suspension is the latest blow to Rex Ryan’s revamped defence, which is already depleted by injuries. And it is the latest in a series of off-field troubles for Dareus.
His one-game suspension last year stemmed from Dareus being arrested and charged with possession of a controlled substance and drug paraphernalia after being stopped by Alabama State Police on May 5, 2014.
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