More good news for Barlow owners. I cant wait to root for Barlow at the game on Sunday!
http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news?slug=ap-c...ov=ap&type=lgns
Linebacker suspended for final four games
December 2, 2003
TEMPE, Ariz. (AP) -- Arizona Cardinals linebacker Raynoch Thompson has been suspended by the NFL for the final four games of the season for violating the league's substance abuse policy.
Coach Dave McGinnis announced the suspension at his Tuesday meeting with the media. The suspension could cost Thompson between $300,000 and $400,000 in lost salary.
``I just want the best for Raynoch,'' McGinnis said. ``I'm sad to have to inform you of this. I was very sad when I was informed.''
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Thompson's agent, James Williams, said the violation involved alcohol. The suspension was announced after Thompson's appeal was rejected by the NFL.
Thompson entered the league's substance abuse policy after a drunken driving arrest in the Phoenix suburb of Gilbert in October of 2001. He has been subject to random tests since then.
Thompson tested positive on Sept. 29, the day after the Cardinals played the Rams in St. Louis, Williams said. Thompson doesn't remember drinking alcohol, the agent said, but had injured his knee during the game and was on medication and may have consumed some on the flight back to Arizona.
Thompson maintains that's the only time he could have taken a drink.
``It was totally isolated,'' Williams said. ``Everybody was surprised, including himself.''
A second substance abuse violation usually results in a four-game suspension. A third violation could mean a year's suspension.
Thompson, a second-round draft pick out of Tennessee in 2000, has emerged as one of the Cardinals' best defensive players. He is second on the team in tackles with 90 and tied for the lead in sacks with three. Two of those sacks came in Arizona's loss to the Bears in Chicago on Sunday.
``The best season of his career,'' Williams said, ``but he's a grown man and it's one of those things where he'll get the four games out of the way and get prepared for next season.''
Earlier this season, Thompson signed a four-year contract extension worth about $11.3 million, including a $2.65 million signing bonus.
Williams said Thompson would have no comment on the suspension.