(CelebNMusic247-News) Jerome Felton Suspended:
The NFL announced Monday it has suspended Minnesota Vikings Pro Bowl fullback Jerome Felton for the first three games of the season for a violation of the league’s substance abuse policy.
The reason for Felton’s penalty wasn’t revealed, per league policy. But two people with knowledge of the suspension said it stems from Felton’s June 2012 suspicion of DUI, a charge that was pleaded down to reckless driving. The people spoke on condition of anonymity because they weren’t authorized to discuss the situation publicly.
Felton will be eligible to return to the roster on Sept. 23, the day after the Vikings‘ Week 3 game.
“We respect the league’s decision and Jerome understands it,” Vikings general manager Rick Spielman said in a statement. “Jerome is focused on returning to the playing field in week four vs. Pittsburgh.”
Felton, 27, signed a three-year, $7.5 million contract in March after helping pave the way for league MVP Adrian Peterson‘s 2,000-yard season. His base salary is a relatively modest $850,000 this season, meaning the three-game ban will cost him only $150,000.
The suspension doesn’t begin until Saturday, meaning Felton is eligible to play in Thursday’s preseason finale against the Tennessee Titans. But he has been sidelined since undergoing an emergency appendectomy on Aug. 14.
While Felton is out, undrafted rookie Zach Line may be in line for a roster spot. Third-string halfback Matt Asiata could be a candidate as well.
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