Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle Akeem Spence will serve a one-game suspension without pay for violating the league's substance abuse policy, the team announced Monday. The violation stems from his arrest in January 2014 for marijuana possession.
Buccaneers DT Akeem Spence suspended 1 game for substance abuse violation
Spence was arrested in January 2014 for misdemeanor marijuana possession, drug paraphernalia possession and speeding.
Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
Spence was arrested last January in Flomaton, Ala., after police said they pulled him over for driving over 100 miles per hour and found marijuana in his vehicle. Spence was booked on charges of misdemeanor marijuana possession, drug paraphernalia possession and speeding.
The 2013 fourth-round pick played in all 16 games of the 2014 season for the Buccaneers, starting in five. Spence’s trial extended into 2015 though, and he agreed to allow a class of high school students observe the proceedings as a learning experience.
Suspensions are typically uncommon for first-time violators of the substance abuse policy and Spence didn't test positive for marijuana when arrested. However, Spence will now sit out the first game of the season against the Tennessee Titans. His first game back will be in Week 2 against the New Orleans Saints.
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