Buffalo Bills offensive line coach Aaron Kromer will be suspended without pay for the first six games of the 2015 NFL season after being arrested for allegedly punching a minor in July, the Bills announced Sunday. The team made its decision after conducting its own investigation in conjunction with the NFL.
Bills OL coach Aaron Kromer suspended 6 games after allegedly punching minor
Aaron Kromer had battery charges dropped, but he was still subject to the NFL’s revamped personal conduct policy.
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Kromer was booked in Florida after allegedly getting in a scuffle with three boys over the use of beach chairs. The alleged victims told police that Kromer threw their fishing poles into the water, pushed one of the boys to the ground and punched him in the face. Kromer then allegedly told one of the boys he would kill his family if he told police about what happened.
Following the incident, the Bills placed Kromer on paid administrative leave. Battery charges were dropped this week against him and his son Zachery, according to ESPN, but that didn’t prevent the league from taking action in accordance with its revamped personal conduct policy. First-time offenders of the policy must sit a minimum of six games, with more games possible for extenuating circumstances.
Kromer's punishment will begin on Sept. 7, one week before the season opener against the Indianapolis Colts, and end on Oct. 18, when the Bills host the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 6. He is eligible to return to the sidelines in Week 7 against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Kromer's name made headlines last season when, as offensive coordinator of the Chicago Bears, he made "anonymous" comments criticizing quarterback Jay Cutler for which he ultimately had to issue a tearful apology. He was fired following the season.
Kromer’s job in Buffalo appears to be safe for the time being. In his statement, president Russ Brandon said, “We look forward to Coach Kromer rejoining the Bills organization at Training Camp.” The full statement is below.
#Bills Managing Partner & Team President @RussBrandon issued the following statement pic.twitter.com/tyy8DOY1Jg
— Buffalo Bills PR (@BuffaloBillsPR) August 3, 2015 See More:
