The NFL has suspended New York Jets running back Mike Goodson four games for violating the league’s substance-abuse policy, the team announced late Monday.
Before rejoining the team on Monday, Goodson, 26, had missed all of training camp after signing with the team during the offseason. According to ProFootballTalk.com, the Jets did not stipulate why Goodson was suspended, but it’s been widely reported that he was recently arrested on drug and handgun charges in New Jersey.
“While we welcome Mike back to the organization, we have had direct conversations to make our expectations very clear as we work together to help him move forward in a positive manner, both on and off the field,” the Jets said in a team-issued statement.
Goodson’s words seem to indicate he understands and appreciates the second chance he’s being given. “I’ve been away from the team to take care of some important personal things,” he said in a statement also issued by the team.
“The time was helpful to me and now that I am back, I am going to do everything I can to contribute to the team,” he added. “I appreciate all of the support from the Jets organization and I’m thankful to be back with my teammates.”
Based on the terms of his suspension, the earliest Goodson can return to the field is an Oct.7 game in Atlanta. According to ProFootballTalk, he will not be allowed to practice with the team during the length of his punishment.
Goodson, who played for Carolina from 2009 through 2011, has rushed for 722 yards and three touchdowns in his NFL career. He spent the 2012 season in Oakland, where in 12 games he rushed for 221 yards and caught 16 passes for another 195.
© 2023 Sportsworldnews.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
