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Pope suspended year for violating substance abuse policy
Associated Press
INDIANAPOLIS -- Indianapolis Colts linebacker Kendyll Pope was suspended for the season by the NFL on Wednesday for violating the league's substance abuse policy.
Pope, a second-year linebacker, cannot practice or play with the Colts until next August. The length of the suspension means Pope has tested positive for a banned substance at least three times.
The suspension begins immediately. Neither the Colts, who announced the suspension, nor the NFL said what substance Pope had tested positive for.
Pope's agent, George Mavrikes, did not immediately return a message seeking comment.
Indianapolis coaches thought Pope was progressing well after missing most of last season with a hip flexor injury. He was slowed again during training camp by a shoulder injury. But coaches liked what they had seen from Pope in the offseason and preseason and had expected him to be a solid contributor.
"I thought the kid had a chance to help us," defensive coordinator Ron Meeks said. "I feel bad. I really hope he can come around for us. We drafted him for that purpose."
Pope is the second Indianapolis player to be suspended by this league this year. Safety Mike Doss received a two-game suspension in June for violating the league's personal conduct policy.
Associated Press
INDIANAPOLIS -- Indianapolis Colts linebacker Kendyll Pope was suspended for the season by the NFL on Wednesday for violating the league's substance abuse policy.
Pope, a second-year linebacker, cannot practice or play with the Colts until next August. The length of the suspension means Pope has tested positive for a banned substance at least three times.
The suspension begins immediately. Neither the Colts, who announced the suspension, nor the NFL said what substance Pope had tested positive for.
Pope's agent, George Mavrikes, did not immediately return a message seeking comment.
Indianapolis coaches thought Pope was progressing well after missing most of last season with a hip flexor injury. He was slowed again during training camp by a shoulder injury. But coaches liked what they had seen from Pope in the offseason and preseason and had expected him to be a solid contributor.
"I thought the kid had a chance to help us," defensive coordinator Ron Meeks said. "I feel bad. I really hope he can come around for us. We drafted him for that purpose."
Pope is the second Indianapolis player to be suspended by this league this year. Safety Mike Doss received a two-game suspension in June for violating the league's personal conduct policy.
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