The NFL suspended Oakland Raiders linebacker Aldon Smith for violating the league's substance abuse policy and now Smith will be out for the next year. The league has not yet announced if New York Jets defensive lineman Sheldon Richardson will face punishment for an off the field incident in July.
The league announced the news about Smith on Tuesday and he will be suspended for one year and will be able to apply for reinstatement in the middle of next season. According to ESPN.com, Smith is not allowed to participate in any team activities during his suspension and he cannot sign with another NFL team until he is reinstated. ESPN reports that sources said that Smith and the Raiders have mutual interest in a return for next year.
Richardson potentially could be facing more punishment from the NFL after serving a four-game suspension to start the season for a substance abuse violation. Richardson had an off the field incident in July after being accused of driving over 140 mph and evading police while having a concealed loaded gun with him in the car. Pro Football Talk reports that Richardson pleaded not guilty to the charges and has a court date in January for the incident.
Ian Rapoport of NFL Media reported this week that Richardson likely will not face discipline this season, as the league is waiting until the case is resolved to "enact any discipline." Richardson has played in five games for the Jets this season and has recorded two sacks and he is currently dealing with a hamstring injury. Richardson sat out of practice on Wednesday for the Jets.
Joseph Randle was suspended earlier in the month by the NFL for violating the league's personal conduct policy stemming from a February domestic incident. The Cowboys released Randle before the suspension became official and Randle was banned for four games. Randle went unclaimed on waivers after he was released and ESPN's Ed Werder reports that teams are interested in signing him once the suspension is over.
Check here for more on the NFL suspensions, Smith and Richardson.