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NFL commissioner Roger Goodell announced Monday Bears defensive tackle Tank Johnson will be suspended eight games as part of the league's new conduct policy.
Goodell did give Johnson the chance to reduce the suspension to six games if he meets certain conditions. The league notified Johnson he could reduce the suspension by two games if he has no further adverse involvement with the law, complies with all the league requirements and doesn't participate in any practices or organized team workouts during the suspenson.
Johnson will be allowed to be at the Bears facility during the suspension for counselling sessions and other approved activities, including physical treatment or individual workout sessions.
Johnson stands to lose $255,000, based on his salary for next season of $510,000, if the suspension lasts the entire eight games.
Goodell could review the matter no later than Oct. 1 to determine if the suspension can be reduced to six games.
Johnson's suspension is not as severe as Pacman Jones of the Titans, who is expected to miss the entire season despite not having any previous convictions. It's the same length as Bengals wide receiver Chris Henry, who had a few incidents that led to convictions.
Johnson served 60 days in jail for violating probation after pleading guilty to a misdemeanor weapons charge. In 2005, Johnson was arrested for possession of a handgun. He pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 18 months probation and 40 hours of community service. In February of 2006, he was charged with aggrevated assault and resisting arrest after becoming engaged in a verbal dispute with a police officer. Charges were eventually dropped.
In December, Lake County police searched Johnson's home and allegedly discovered six firearms. He was charged with violation of probation and possession of unlicensed firearms.
The 6-3, 300-pound Johnson has played three seasons with the Bears and is an important part of the defensive line. He's more of the run-stopper next to Tommie Harris, whose quickness allows him to shoot the gap and disrupt plays in the backfield.
Johnson is eligible to participate in the team's offseason workout program and will be allowed to partcipate in preseason games.
Source: ESPN.com
Goodell did give Johnson the chance to reduce the suspension to six games if he meets certain conditions. The league notified Johnson he could reduce the suspension by two games if he has no further adverse involvement with the law, complies with all the league requirements and doesn't participate in any practices or organized team workouts during the suspenson.
Johnson will be allowed to be at the Bears facility during the suspension for counselling sessions and other approved activities, including physical treatment or individual workout sessions.
Johnson stands to lose $255,000, based on his salary for next season of $510,000, if the suspension lasts the entire eight games.
Goodell could review the matter no later than Oct. 1 to determine if the suspension can be reduced to six games.
Johnson's suspension is not as severe as Pacman Jones of the Titans, who is expected to miss the entire season despite not having any previous convictions. It's the same length as Bengals wide receiver Chris Henry, who had a few incidents that led to convictions.
Johnson served 60 days in jail for violating probation after pleading guilty to a misdemeanor weapons charge. In 2005, Johnson was arrested for possession of a handgun. He pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 18 months probation and 40 hours of community service. In February of 2006, he was charged with aggrevated assault and resisting arrest after becoming engaged in a verbal dispute with a police officer. Charges were eventually dropped.
In December, Lake County police searched Johnson's home and allegedly discovered six firearms. He was charged with violation of probation and possession of unlicensed firearms.
The 6-3, 300-pound Johnson has played three seasons with the Bears and is an important part of the defensive line. He's more of the run-stopper next to Tommie Harris, whose quickness allows him to shoot the gap and disrupt plays in the backfield.
Johnson is eligible to participate in the team's offseason workout program and will be allowed to partcipate in preseason games.
Source: ESPN.com