The NFL has suspended San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jerome Simpson for six games.
The punishment stems back to a 2014 DUI incident where the Simpson was sited for driving with an open container and possession of marijuana. Simpson pleaded guilty to third-degree DUI and reckless driving.
After Simpson was charged with the offenses, the Minnesota Vikings cut him. The 49ers signed the receiver during the offseason for a two-year $1.73 million deal. Simpson was in line to have been the team’s No. 3 receiver behind Anquan Boldin and Torrey Smith.
While Simpson sits out the six games, the position will have to be filled by either Quinton Patton, Bruce Ellington or DeAndrew White.
The 49ers general manager Trent Baalke released this statement:
“The probability of a suspension was known when we signed Jerome. Since joining the 49ers, Jerome has proven to be a great teammate. Although he will not be able to participate in the first six weeks of the season, Jerome has done everything asked of him, both on and off the field. We are in full support of the NFL’s decision, and look forward to Jerome’s future contributions to our organization.”
Simpson was originally drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in 2008, where he spent four years before playing for two seasons with the Minnesota Vikings. He has yet to start in all 16 season games in a season thus far in his career. His six-game suspension will keep that record intact once again in 2015.