The Minnesota Vikings have released wide receiver Jerome Simpson following his latest run-in with the law, as the NFL grapples with a string of high-profile off-the-field incidents.
US media reported on Thursday that Simpson was cited on July 7 by police on charges including marijuana possession.
The 28-year-old is currently serving a three-game suspension for a second violation of the league's substance-abuse policy, and was set to return following the team's game Sunday against New Orleans.
He was also banned for three games in 2012, his first year with the Vikings, following a guilty plea to a felony drug charge.
In September 2011, when Simpson played for Cincinnati, police seized a package containing 1.13 kilos of marijuana that was being shipped from California to Simpson's home in Kentucky.
Simpson has 145 receptions for 2,004 yards and eight scores in six seasons with Cincinnati and Minnesota.
He is scheduled to appear in court on November 3.
The NFL, which has built a multi-billion-dollar empire out of its violent and quintessentially American game, is under attack as never before over its handling of off-field violence involving players.
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