Over a month ago, word emerged that free agent wide receiver received a three game suspension for his drug trafficking arrest during his days with the Bengals. Shortly after the suspension hit the media, Simpson signed a one year deal with the Vikings.
Today, the NFL made the suspension official, which likely means that the appeal process has run its course.
The NFL indeed has suspended Simpson for three games, and will also deduct one more game check from him.
If I were a betting man, I would guess that the suspension was originally for four games but the league took pity on him, knowing that Simpson was a free agent and a four game suspension would make him much less attractive to teams with a week four bye. Hence, the additional game check being deducted.
Simpson will miss games against the Jaguars, Colts, and Niners before returning to the team on September 24th. His Minnesota debut will likely come with plenty of anticipation, as Simpson has generated as much hype as any Vikings player during OTA’s.
The big question with Simpson is whether or not he actually does “get it” and will be able to avoid trouble throughout the rest of his career. The following quote leaves me doubting him a bit.
“It is because I won’t be out there with my guys playing the game I love,” Simpson said of his frustrations with being suspended, “but it’s the technicality of my situation.”
In what world (besides Amsterdam) is getting nabbed for receiving two and a half pounds of pot in the mail considered a “technicality?”
For the drug charges Simpson had to spend 15 days in jail, received a $7,500 fine, and was assigned 200 hours of community service. The suspension without pay is expected to cost him $188,235 in game checks, and up to another $178,125 in incentives.
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I'm not defending this crap in any way but I read somewhere that somebody else was living in his house when the smack was delivered to his home. That may have had something to do with his seamingly short jailtime and only 3 game suspension?
BJizzle -
Your old pal Fragile might be wrong on this one, but Freds is pretty sure you are accusing Jerry Simpson of being involved in the Heroin trade when you reference his delivery of "smack". Perhaps you meant, Pot, Reefer, Grass, Weed, Dope, Ganja, Mary Jane, or Sinsemilla or Urb? These are the sort of the "technicality of my situation" that Simpson refers to when dealing with this situations.
Coach Buds, no need to list another 50 or 60 names for "the weed" that are rattling around in your head from your days while you were dancing in the mud at Woodstock, with that bandana wrapped around your head. I'll bet you miss that microbus of yours huh?
Sorry Freds, you missed big time on me there. From day 1 I chased the smoke heads away like a dog on a farm. Never had time for any of that stuff that rattles my brain. Got enough of that playing football, although I did inhale some just walking down the hall of my dorm.
I just hope the light has gone on with this kid and he learns for his past mistakes. Looks like he is really busting his ass in OTA's and that's a great sign. The kid has some serious talent, and if he has is life sorted out, then Spielman may have gotten the steal of the entire free agency and the Vikes may have their #1 receiver that they needed.
I really think we a due for one of the guys that have been in trouble to make a turn around. That would be a Positive for the team for sure.
Agreed!!! We need another Chris Carter to happen. He was in all kinds of trouble before he became a Viking.
If i remember correctly, They bought his contract for $ 100 bucks. Best 100 bucks they ever spent !