vikings/nfl
Dan Wiederer began covering the Vikings in 2011, enthusiastically delivering insight on the team across the Star Tribune's print and digital products. Prior to joining the Access Vikings team, he spent seven seasons covering ACC basketball at The Fayetteville (N.C.) Observer. He also covered the Chicago Bears in 2003 and 2004. Follow him on Twitter @StribDW.
Mark Craig has covered football and the NFL the past 20 years, including the Browns from 1991-95 and the Vikings and the NFL since 2003. Since 2008, Craig has served as one of the 44 Pro Football Hall of Fame selectors. He can be followed on Twitter at @markcraignfl.
NFL rubber stamps suspension for Vikings receiver Jerome Simpson
Posted by: Dan Wiederer under Vikings Updated: June 11, 2012 - 2:27 PM
Well, it's now official. Vikings receiver Jerome Simpson will be on the shelf for the first three games of 2012, suspended by the league for "violating the NFL Policy and Program for Substances of Abuse."
The NFL released a statement on the punishment today and revealed that Simpson will also be fined an additional game check.
Simpson's suspension is in connection with an incident last fall during which authorities intercepted a package on its way from California to the receiver's residence in Kentucky. The package was found to contain 2.5 pounds of marijuana. Authorities later entered Simpson's home and found additonal marijuana plus drug parapharnelia.
Simpson was arrested and originally indicted on a felony drug trafficking charge. He later plead to a lesser felony charge of being involved in a prohibited act relating to controlled substances.
Simpson spent 15 days in jail in early April. Shortly after he was released he visited the Vikings and signed with the team just before the NFL Draft.
In 2011 in Cincinnati, Simpson had 50 catches for 725 yards and four touchdowns. Since joining the Vikings, he has quickly developed rapport with quarterback Christian Ponder and generated some buzz with his speed and athleticism. The Vikings believe Simpson will add juice to the offense in 2012. The league's discipline, however, means the 26-year-old won't be able to play his first regular season game until Sept. 30 when the Vikings visit Detroit.
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