The Pro Bowl linebacker will miss all of the 2014 season for his latest violation of the NFL’s drug policy.
Daryl Washington continues to frustrate the Arizona Cardinals organization.
The troubled Pro Bowl linebacker was suspended for the second time in his career for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy. He will be suspended for the entirety of the 2014 season effective immediately. According to a statement released by his agent, Washington admitted to using marijuana.
“It’s completely unacceptable that Daryl has once again put us in this position,” said Cardinals General Manager Steve Keim. “We all know what the consequences are and will deal with them.”
“As it pertains to our team, our approach is the same as it’s always been: next man up,” Keim continued. “One player’s absence is another’s opportunity. That approach has served us well in the past and we will rely on it now.”
No stranger to controversy, Washington was suspended for four games in April 2013 for violating the league’s substance abuse policy. “I promise to work even harder and to not let you guys down anymore,” he said at the time.
But it only took a month before getting into more trouble when he was arrested on two counts of aggravated assault against his ex-girlfriend in a dispute over custody of their then-five month old daughter. Washington grabbed his ex by the throat and pushed her to the ground, breaking her collar bone. He pled guilty and received one year of supervised probation.
Washington was a second round pick in the 2010 NFL Draft and went to become a key member on one of the league’s top defenses in 2013. He will be eligible for reinstatement in 2015. Article Link…