The NFL announced on Friday that Arizona Cardinals veteran linebacker Daryl Washington has been banned for the entire 2014 season for violation of the league's substance abuse policy.
The suspension is the second for the 27-year-old Washington, who missed the first four games of last season for a similar offense, according to ESPN.
Daryl Washington suspended for substance abuse violation
"It's completely unacceptable that Daryl has once again put us in this position," Cardinals GM 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."
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A five-year veteran, Washington is also facing a suspension stemming from his arrest last May on two counts of aggravated assault following an altercation with a former girlfriend where she ended up with a broken collarbone. He pleaded guilty in that case earlier this year and was sentenced to a year of supervised probation.
"As it pertains to our team, our approach is the same as it's always been: next man up," added Keim. "One player's absence is another's opportunity. That approach has served us well in the past and we will rely on it now."
In 12 games last season, Washington had 81 tackles -- 59 solo -- three sacks and two interceptions.
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