San Francisco 49ers outside linebacker Aaron Lynch has been suspended four games by the NFL for violating the league’s Substance of Abuse Policy.
The 49ers announced this news on the team website Friday.
This is a huge blow not only to Lynch but also to the 49ers. A young player who figures to be a key defender on the edge, he has shown promise during his first two seasons in the NFL, posting 12.5 sacks.
Team general manager Trent Baalke released the following statement in light of the suspension:
“While disappointed to hear the news regarding Aaron today, we support and respect the league’s decision. We are confident that he will learn from this matter and that he understands what is expected of him moving forward.”
The 49ers took a bit of a risk drafting Lynch out of South Florida in the fifth round in 2014. Originally with Notre Dame, he left that program and moved closer to home as off-field issued plagued him. Interesting, he was never arrested or suspended at college but made some curious personal choices, including the move to South Florida.
He had been a freshman All-American the year before his decision to move, and then he had to sit out an entire season after the transfer. Following the 49ers’ decision to draft him, South Florida’s strength and conditioning coach famously bashed the organization.
It remains to be seen if this is just one more minor speed bump or if things will go downhill following his suspension.