Bills: Dareus put himself before team
The Buffalo Bills didn't attempt to mask their anger at defensive tackle Marcell Dareus over his four-game suspension in a statement released Tuesday.
The Bills said Dareus, who violated the NFL's substance abuse policy, was selfish in his actions, calling his behavior "unacceptable."
We are very disappointed Marcell chose to put himself first, before his teammates, coaches, and the rest of the organization through his recent actions. From ownership down we have made it clear his behavior is unacceptable. We will continue to take the necessary steps to work with him in order that he adheres to the policies set forth by our league. As an organization, we will move forward with our preparations for the start of the 2016 NFL season in Baltimore on September 11.
It's the second suspension of Dareus' five-year career. He was banned for one game in 2015 after being arrested in May of that year for possession of a controlled substance.
The Bills showed their belief in him last year, inking him to a seven-year, $103.2-million contract.
Dareus also released a statement on Instagram, apologizing to the Bills organization, his fans, and his family. The former first-round pick called the suspension a "temporary setback," and emphasized that he remains committed to football.
Injuries have decimated the Bills' defense this offseason, with Reggie Ragland lost for the year and Shaq Lawson sidelined for at least the first quarter of the season after undergoing shoulder surgery.
To add further misery, Manny Lawson is also reportedly facing a one-game ban for a domestic violence incident.