Simpson’s Suspension Is Now Official

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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