The National Football League (NFL) on Monday handed down a three-game suspension to Minnesota Viking fullback Jerome Felton.
The suspension was the result of the player’s failure to follow the league’s substance-abuse policy.
Felton will be allowed to return to play when his team takes on the Pittsburgh Steelers in London on September 29.
According to an NFL source, Felton was suspended after being arrested for a drunken driving incident dating back to June 2012. Following his arrest, Jerome was quick to apologize to the Vikings and his fans. The charge was eventually reduced to reckless driving.
Felton appealed the decision three weeks ago but failed to have the decision overturned.
In a statement following his suspension, Minnesota Vikings general manager Rick Spielman said:
“We respect the league’s decision and Jerome understands it. Jerome is focused on returning to the playing field in Week 4 vs. Pittsburgh.”
Jerome Felton signed a new three-year, $7.5 million contract with the Vikings before the pre-season began. He was already scheduled to miss the rest of the pre-season after undergoing an emergency appendectomy earlier in the month.
Taking over for the suspended fullback is Rhett Ellison.
The Vikings open the regular season with a September 8 match-up against the Detroit Lions.
Do you think a three game suspension is a long enough suspension for a DUI charge?
