The NFL has never been afraid to throw out major news as the rest of the United States prepares for a holiday weekend. We can expect that to continue with the Fourth of July weekend approaching.
It started Friday afternoon with the league announcing that it has suspended Baltimore Ravens tight end Darren Waller for a year for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy.
More TE issues for the #Ravens: Darren Waller is suspended for at least one year for violating @NFL Policy & Program for Substances of Abuse
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) June 30, 2017
Waller, a sixth-round pick of the Ravens back in 2015, appeared in 12 games for the team last season (three starts). He recorded just 10 receptions for 85 yards.
Comments made last year to the Ravens’ official website seemed to be a precursor to off-field issues here.
“There were other personal issues, and (marijuana) was the one thing I always turned to,” the tight end said last fall. “It was just about finding more positive outlets for me to do, like talking to people about it and things like that. I’m definitely at a better place with that now.”
Obviously, Waller himself wasn’t over the substance abuse problems.
This continues a troubling trend at the tight end position in Baltimore. Dennis Pitta was forced into retirement earlier this offseason after suffering another hip injury.
That came mere months after free-agent acquisition Ben Watson tore his Achilles in his first preseason game with the team last summer.