Gunzlingr
12-03-2003, 09:16 AM
Cardinals outside linebacker Raynoch Thompson has been suspended for the final four games of the season for violating the NFL's policy on substance abuse, the league announced Tuesday.
The suspension comes two months after Thompson signed a four-year contract extension worth about $11.3 million, including a $2.63 million signing bonus.
Missing four games will cost him about $300,000 in salary.
Thompson, who entered the league's substance-abuse program two years ago, tested positive for alcohol Sept. 29, the day after the team played the Rams in St. Louis, said his agent, James Williams.
Thompson doesn't recall drinking alcohol, Williams said, but was on medication for a knee injury suffered in the game and might have consumed some during the team's flight home.
"Our contention is if he had anything to drink, it was at that particular time," Williams said.
The Cardinals do not serve alcohol on team flights, but some players have been known to provide their own.
more (http://www.azcentral.com/sports/cardinals/1203cards1203.html)
The suspension comes two months after Thompson signed a four-year contract extension worth about $11.3 million, including a $2.63 million signing bonus.
Missing four games will cost him about $300,000 in salary.
Thompson, who entered the league's substance-abuse program two years ago, tested positive for alcohol Sept. 29, the day after the team played the Rams in St. Louis, said his agent, James Williams.
Thompson doesn't recall drinking alcohol, Williams said, but was on medication for a knee injury suffered in the game and might have consumed some during the team's flight home.
"Our contention is if he had anything to drink, it was at that particular time," Williams said.
The Cardinals do not serve alcohol on team flights, but some players have been known to provide their own.
more (http://www.azcentral.com/sports/cardinals/1203cards1203.html)