http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/9498862/von-miller-denver-broncos-
faces-suspension-sources
Denver Broncos Pro Bowl linebacker Von Miller is facing a four-game
suspension for violating the NFL's substance-abuse policy, according to
multiple sources.
The case currently is in the appeals process, so it's uncertain whether the
suspension ultimately will stand. No date for Miller's appeal has been set
yet, a league source said.
Miller addressed the situation in a tweet Monday afternoon.
The league has a strict confidentiality clause on such cases. If the case
works the way it's supposed to, the NFL would only comment if the appeal
fails.
NFL Players Association spokesman George Atallah said in a tweet that the
union is working closely with Miller on his appeal.
It is unknown which substances Miller is accused of using. Under NFL policy,
Miller would have to test positive for banned substances twice before facing
a four-game suspension.
The Denver Post reported Monday that Miller tested positive for amphetamines
and steroids in 2011, his rookie season.
A league source said the Broncos were aware of an issue with Miller, so
executive vice president of football operations John Elway and coach John Fox
were not surprised by Monday's news.
Clayton: Absence Would Be Felt
ClaytonPro Bowl linebacker Von Miller's potential four-game ban jeopardizes
the Broncos' formula for success, John Clayton writes. Blog
‧ SportsNation: How Will Broncos Fare?
"He's a different guy, but I never thought he would risk his career. Gotta
help him bounce back now. Can't turn my back on him. Disappointed yet
concerned about the man. Still love him, though," a Broncos player, who
wished to remain anonymous, said in a text to ESPN.
If Miller's suspension stands, the Broncos could go after 1/16th of his
signing bonus, which would amount to $860,812.
At the very least, Denver will be dealing with another significant issue
during training camp. Last week, the team suspended director of player
personnel Matt Russell indefinitely without pay and director of pro personnel
Tom Heckert for one month without pay for their recent drunken-driving
arrests.
The Broncos report to training camp Wednesday. Miller will be able to
participate in all of the workouts but he'd have to leave the team after its
final preseason game on Aug. 29 if a suspension is upheld and he wouldn't be
able to return to the team until Sept. 30.
Miller A Force For Broncos
If Von Miller loses the appeal of his four-game suspension, his absence will
leave a huge void for the Broncos' defense. A look at his NFL rank in three
If Miller is suspended in Week 1, the Broncos would be facing the defending
champion Ravens without both the star linebacker and Elvis Dumervil, who was
released by Denver this offseason after a deadline fax fiasco and later
signed with Baltimore.
The Broncos visit the New York Giants in Week 2 before home games against the
Oakland Raiders and Philadelphia Eagles. If Miller is suspended for the first
four games of the season, he would make his debut in Week 5 when the Broncos
visit the Dallas Cowboys.
Miller, 24, had 18.5 sacks last season for the Broncos. According to ESPN
Stats & Information, since Miller entered the league in 2011 -- he was named
the AP's Defensive Rookie of the Year -- only Jared Allen (34), Aldon Smith
(33.5) and DeMarcus Ware (31) have more sacks than Miller (30).
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