NFL Suspends Viking Jerome Simpson Three Games

The NFL has suspended Jerome Simpson of the Minnesota Vikings for the first 3 games of the 2012 season. Jerome Simpson is most known for possibly the play of the season where he flipped over a defender landing on both feet in the end zone as a member of the Cincinnati Bengals. The NFL suspension is based on Simpson’s violation of the league’s substance-abuse policy. Simpson was convicted of a felony after having marijuana shipped to his home last fall.

Simpson, in addition to the three games, was fined one game check which means he’ll turn over nearly one-fourth of his $800,000 salary this year, including the fact that he’ll miss 3 game checks while he’ll be suspended. All preseason activities, practices and games are still available to Simpson. But once the season starts he’s barred from team activities and facilities for 3 weeks.

“I won’t be out there with my guys playing the game I love, but it’s the technicality of my situation,” Simpson said.

Law enforcement authorities assert that last September they tracked a shipment of marijuana, weighing in at 2.5 pounds, to Simpson’s Kentucky home. Simpson was sentenced to 15 days in jail, 3 years on probation and 200 hours of community service, as well as a $7,500 fine and court costs. Simpson had also previously plead guilty to a different act relating to a controlled substance.

Simpson found a home with the Vikings this offseason and says it was frustrating acknowledging the drug charges in interviews. But with a young quarterback they need a young wide receiver, Simpson is 26, looking to break out in his prime. Last season with the Bengals he caught 50 passes for 725 yards.