Simpson got three games from Goodell for his drug charges. (Getty Images) |
Vikings wide receiver Jerome Simpson has been suspended for the first three games of the 2012 NFL season and fined an additional game check, the NFL announced on Monday. Simpson will be eligible to return in Week 4 against the 49ers.
We'd heard reports that Simpson would get three games for drug charges relating to a 2.5-pound package of marijuana that arrived to his house, and those reports are now confirmed.
"Jerome Simpson of the Minnesota Vikings has been suspended without pay for the team’s first three games of the 2012 regular season and fined an additional game check for violating the NFL Policy and Program for Substances of Abuse," the league said in a statement. "Simpson will be eligible to return to the Vikings’ active roster on Monday, September 24 following the team’s September 23 game against the San Francisco 49ers.
"Simpson is eligible to participate in all offseason and preseason practices and games."
The wideout, who signed a one-year, $2 million deal with the Vikes this offseason, probably cost himself a lot of money -- upwards of $5 million a year? -- after getting busted with drugs.
But in the grand scheme of things, he got off pretty light. Simpson was sentenced to 15 days in jail and lost just four games worth of paychecks, three of which he won't play in. Considering what happens to most people who end up with several pounds of weed being shipped to their doorstep, that's not that bad of an outcome.
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