Arizona Cardinals linebacker Daryl Washington was suspended without pay for all of the 2014 season by the NFL on Friday for violations of the league's substance abuse policy.
The ban isn't related to his sentencing in April to one year's probation on assault charges that stemmed from a 2013 incident.
Washington said in a statement it was related to marijuana use.
"I recently learned that I had violations of the NFL Substances of Abuse policy related to marijuana," Washington said. "The policy is very strict, and I have chosen to take responsibility. I am committed to making changes in my life that will allow me to return to the NFL as soon as possible."
The 27-year-old missed the first four games of last season for a prior substance abuse violation.
Washington started the remaining 12 games and finished with 75 tackles, three sacks and two interceptions in 2013.
"It's completely unacceptable that Daryl has once again put us in this position," Cardinals general manager Steve Keim said in a statement.
"We all know what the consequences are and will deal with them. From a personal standpoint, our hope is that this suspension will give Daryl the opportunity to accept the necessary help and guidance to get his life back on track and we will certainly support him however we can."
Share
