PITTSFORD, N.Y. (AP) – The NFL has suspended Buffalo Bills defensive tackle Marcell Dareus for the first four games of the season for violating the league’s substance abuse policy.
The Bills announced the suspension in an email sent after practice Tuesday.
Dareus is 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 that is potentially worth $104 million.
The suspension is the latest blow to Rex Ryan’s revamped defense, which is already depleted by injuries. And it is the latest in a series of on and off-field troubles for Dareus. He was suspended by the NFL for Buffalo’s season opener last year for also violating the substance abuse policy.
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