San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jerome Simpson has been suspended six games by the NFL for violating the league's substance abuse policy, the team announced Tuesday. Simpson can participate in all training camp practices and preseason games, and will be eligible to return to the active roster for the Week 7 matchup against the Seattle Seahawks.
49ers WR Jerome Simpson suspended 6 games
Simpson, who was cited for marijuana possession last year, did not play in 2014.
Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports
The punishment could have been worse, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, who reports that the suspension was originally set for 10 games. Although the details of the actual violation are unknown at this time, it is believed to be related to misdemeanor charges last summer for marijuana possession.
Simpson had been suspended twice before by the league. He sat out three games in 2012 following a marijuana-related arrest in 2011, and also served a three-game ban last year stemming from a drunken driving incident in November 2013.
The 49ers had anticipated Simpson’s suspension and issued the following statement after his punishment was announced:
“The probability of a suspension was known when we signed Jerome. Since joining the 49ers, Jerome has proven to be a great teammate. Although he will not be able to participate in the first six weeks of the season, Jerome has done everything asked of him, both on and off the field. We are in full support of the NFL’s decision, and look forward to Jerome’s future contributions to our organization.”
Simpson missed all of last season and has not played in a regular season game since 2013 with the Vikings. The 29-year-old was in a group of four receivers that were competing for the No. 3 wide receiver spot on the depth chart behind starters Anquan Boldin and Torrey Smith.
He has caught 145 passes for 2,004 yards with eight touchdown receptions in 57 career games.
Simpson's suspension is the latest chapter in the 49ers' troubling offseason. Not only did they lose their head coach and their starting running back, but they've had several standout players retire and also released Aldon Smith a few weeks ago after the linebacker was arrested for the fifth time in three years.
See More:
