Another Buffalo Bill Hit With a Four-Game Suspension

As if winning games and advancing to the playoffs isn't hard enough, Buffalo Bills nose tackle Marcell Dareus has been assessed a four-game suspension for violating the NFL's substance-abuse policy.  This one for either a missed or failed drug test involving marijuana. 

According to an NFL Spokesperson:

“Marcell Dareus of the Buffalo Bills has been suspended without pay for the first four games of the 2016 regular season for violating the NFL Policy and Program for Substances of Abuse.

Dareus will be eligible to return to the Bills’ active roster on Monday, October 3 following the team’s October 2 game against the New England Patriots.

Dareus is eligible to participate in all preseason practices and games.”

Dareus will join running back Karlos Williams on the sidelines for the first four games of the season including home games against the New Jets and Arizona Cardinals as well as road games against the Baltimore Ravens and New England Patriots.  Williams was also assessed a four-game suspension for the same reason.

The Bills released a blunt 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. 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.”

This will be the second consecutive year Dareus starts the season with a suspension.  Last year he was suspended for the first game of the season for the same reason.

Here's a guy who the Bills had hoped would be a team leader and rewarded with a nearly 100-million dollar contract, but this is how he shows his thanks.  It's another blow to a Bills defense that has already been hit hard by injuries and his absence will make the Bills efforts even more difficult at the beginning of the season.