[KC Chiefs.com] The Chiefs will play their season-opening game Sept. 9 against Atlanta without their best pass rusher, Tamba Hali.
The Pro Bowl linebacker was suspended for one game today by the NFL for a violation of the league’s substance-abuse policy. He will also be fined one additional game check.
Hali will be eligible to practice for the next two weeks and play in the final two preseason games. He won’t practice the week of the Atlanta game or play against the Falcons. But he can return to the Chiefs the day after the game and play in the next game on Sept. 16 against the Bills in Buffalo.
The NFL’s substance-abuse policy covers the illegal use of drugs and the abuse of prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs and alcohol, but not performance-enhancing drugs. Unlike the NFL’s PED policy, which calls for a four-game suspension for a first-time violation, penalties for substance-abuse violations are handled on a case-by-case basis by the league and commissioner Roger Goodell, according to NFL senior vice president of communications Greg Aiello.
Hali issued a statement through the Chiefs that indicated he would not appeal the suspension.
This is so disappointing. We need him on the field. I hope it motivates him. I feel like my own kid just got busted. This sucks. Tamba, you owe us one. Defense is getting banged up and we lose one of our best to something stupid.
Comment by Jeff in VA — August 20, 2012 @ 5:01 pm
what was it, weed?
Comment by Krypta Knight — August 20, 2012 @ 5:02 pm
This is no bueno. Yes, we are much better and should win the West but now we will definitely be underdogs in our 1st five games with no Tamba and K. Lewis for the opener. We have to find a way to win that 1st one (Falcons by 1, Bills by 3, Saints by 7, Chargers by 1, Ravens by 3). Romeo is going to have to draw up a great game plan.
Comment by DC Chief — August 21, 2012 @ 3:55 am
Com’on Man Really ? Tamba you should know better! We need you and everyone else to make an impact right out of the gates in week 1 , Studabaker is good but Hali is better. Hope that is not going to be a key factor come week 1 . Gooo C H I E F S !!
Comment by BigKCSaint — August 21, 2012 @ 8:18 pm