Sean Smith to be suspended 3 games by NFL
The Kansas City Chiefs will reportedly be without their top cornerback in Sean Smith for the first three games of the 2015 NFL season, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. Smith pleaded guilty to a DUI conviction after crashing into a street lamp last summer and is serving two years probation.
NFL is suspending Chiefs CB Sean Smith 3 games after he pled guilty last month for DUI and received two years’ probation, per NFL source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 24, 2015
This is one more game than we all expected Smith to get, and don’t be surprised when you hear that he will be appealing through the NFL Players Association. Frankly, I still believe Smith will get two games for his mistake, but the league almost always knocks down the punishment.
Moments ago, the Chiefs and the NFL recognized the suspension officially and released the following statements:
Per the Chiefs:
"This morning the NFL notified the club that cornerback Sean Smith will serve a three-game suspension effective Week 1 of the regular season. We respect and support the league’s decision in this matter and will have no further comment on the situation."
Per an NFL spokesman:
"Sean Smith of the Kansas City Chiefs has been suspended without pay for the first three games of the 2015 regular season for violating the NFL Policy and Program for Substances of Abuse.Smith will be eligible to return to the Chiefs’ active roster on Tuesday, September 29 following the team’s September 28 game against the Green Bay Packers.Smith is eligible to participate in all offseason and preseason practices and games."
Kansas City faces the Houston Texans, Denver Broncos and Green Bay Packers over the first three weeks of the season. The Chiefs should handle Houston with or without Smith, but his absence the following two weeks only puts more pressure on Justin Houston and the rest of the front seven – along with rookie Marcus Peters – to get their jobs done.