More bad news for the Buffalo Bills.
Star defensive tackle Marcell Dareus has been suspended four games for a violation of the NFL’s substance-abuse policy, the team announced Tuesday. NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport reports the violation is for marijuana.
“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,” the Bill said in a statement. “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.”
Dareus apologized for the suspension on Instagram.
This is Dareus’ second violation in as many years. He was previously suspended 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 will also be without running back Karlos Williams, who is suspended for the first four games for a violation of the substance-abuse policy. As Mike Rodak of ESPN points out, the Bills will be subject to a steep fine from the NFL based on the NFL’s remittance policy—the result of having multiple players suspended in a single season.
Buffalo signed Dareus, a two-time Pro Bowler, to a six-year extension last September. His absence will be huge for the Bills.
