LDN - Sports

National Football League roundup

[July 01, 2016] June 30 (The Sports Xchange) - Troubled quarterback Johnny Manziel has been suspended four games for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy, the league announced Thursday.

The suspension would begin when and if the free agent signs with a team. Manziel has remained unsigned after some offseason issues which include being charged with assaulting his now-former girlfriend.

Manziel could face further discipline under the NFL's personal conduct policy over the alleged assault.

Manziel was released by the Cleveland Browns in March after two lackluster seasons that included numerous distractions.

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Dallas Cowboys inside linebacker Rolando McClain is expected to miss the first 10 games of the 2016 regular season to serve a suspension for his latest violation of the NFL substance abuse policy, ESPN reported.

McClain re-signed in the offseason as an unrestricted free agent on a one-year, $5 million contract. He missed the first four games of the 2015 season serving a ban for violating the same policy.

McClain recovered from offseason surgery in 2015 to play 11 games and record 97 tackles, two sacks, nine tackles for loss, 10 pressures, one interception and three pass breakups.

Also Thursday, Dallas defensive end Demarcus Lawrence had his appeal denied and will serve a four-game suspension for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy. Lawrence, who had a team-best eight sacks last season, is reportedly being suspended due to use of amphetamines.

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New York Jets defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson was suspended for the regular-season opener for a violation of the NFL's personal-conduct policy.

Richardson pleaded guilty to resisting arrest in January stemming from his arrest for driving 143 miles an hour while evading police with a 12-year-old in the car.

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He was not charged with child endangerment or a drug offense despite the police report indicating officers claimed to smell marijuana while making the arrest.

Richardson can participate in training camp and preseason games but must sit out practices leading up to the opener and will be on the sideline Week 1 when the Jets play the Cincinnati Bengals.

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New York Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul appears in a fireworks safety public service announcement one year removed from the accident that damaged his right hand.

Pierre-Paul lost his right index finger and damaged his hand in a July 4, 2015, accident. A relatively recent newborn son was the reason Pierre-Paul decided to speak openly about that day and agree to the public service announcement.

Pierre-Paul, who said he is leaving the country for the upcoming Fourth of July holiday weekend, holds his right hand in a visible position during the TV spot.

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The Cleveland Browns waived quarterback Connor Shaw, the team announced.

Shaw, 24, missed all of last season with a thumb injury suffered during the opening preseason contest.

Shaw started one game for the Browns, the 2014 regular-season finale against the Baltimore Ravens. He was 14-of-28 passing for 177 yards and one interception. (Editing by Larry Fine) ))

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