Fifteen players did not suit up to start the 2014 NFL season due to substance abuse violations, mostly related to marijuana. A total of 23 players and one owner were suspended prior to the season by the NFL. They are:
• Frank Alexander, Panthers DE - 4 games (substance abuse)
• Dwayne Bowe, Chiefs WR - 1 game (marijuana arrest)
• Nigel Bradham, Bills LB - 1 game (marijuana arrest)
• LaVon Brazill, Colts WR - 16 games (substance abuse, 3rd drug test)*
• Josh Gordon, Browns WR - 16 games (substance abuse; 2nd failed drug test, marijuana, Adderall)*
• Jakar Hamilton, Cowboys S - 4 games (substance abuse, 2nd drug test)
• Will Hill, Ravens S - 6 games (substance abuse; 3rd failed drug test, marijuana twice, Adderall once)*
• Jayron Hosley, Giants CB - 4 games (substance abuse)
• Chris Lewis-Harris, Bengals CB - 2 games (substance abuse)
• Brandon Moore, Redskins DE - 4 games (substance abuse, marijuana)
• Matt Prater, Broncos K - 4 games (substance abuse, alcohol)
• Jerome Simpson, Vikings WR - 3 games (substance abuse, DUI arrest)
• Aldon Smith, 49ers LB - 9 games (4 for substance abuse, marijuana; 5 for personal conduct)
• Daryl Washington, Cardinals LB - 16 games (substance abuse; 2nd failed drug test, marijuana)*
• Rokevious Watkins, Chiefs OT - 4 games (substance abuse)*
* also suspended for start of 2013 season
• Stedman Bailey, Rams WR - 4 games (performance-enhancing drug; amphetamine)*
• Lane Johnson, Eagles OT - 4 games (performance-enhancing drug)
• Dion Jordan, Dolphins DE - 4 games (performance-enhancing drug, stimulant)
• Jake Knott, Eagles LB - 4 games (performance-enhancing drug, stimulant)
• Robert Mathis, Colts LB - 4 games (performance-enhancing drug, fertility)
• Orlando Scandrick, Cowboys CB - 4 games (performance-enhancing drugs; Ecstasy, amphetamine)*
• Wes Welker, Broncos WR - 4 games (performance-enhancing drugs; Ecstasy, amphetamine)*
* Suspensions reduced to two games
• Ray Rice, Ravens RB - 2 games (personal conduct, domestic violence)*
* after the release of video showing Rice punching his wife (girlfriend at the time) in an elevator, he was released by the Ravens and suspended indefinitely by th NFL.
Also, Colts' owner Robert Irsay was hit with a 6-game suspension and $500,000 fine after he pled guilty to a DUI charge. Of course, he doesn't play, so this won't directly effect the team's prospects.
Teams Breakdown
• Indianapolis Colts - 3
• Baltimore Ravens, Dallas Cowboys, Denver Broncos, Kansas City Chiefs, Philadelphia Eagles - 2
• Arizona Cardinals, Buffalo Bills, Carolina Panthers, Cincinnati Bengals, Cleveland Browns, Miami Dolphins , Minnesota Vikings, New York Giants, San Francisco 49ers, St. Louis Rams, Washington Redskins - 1
Positions Breakdown
Wide receiver - 6
Linebacker - 5
Cornerback, Defensive end - 3
Offensive tackle, Safety - 2
Kicker, Owner, Running back - 1
