The NFL suspended Bears veteran defensive tackle Jeremiah Ratliff three games Monday for violating the league’s substance abuse policy.
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Ratliff was arrested in Grapevine, Texas, on January 22 2013 after crashing his pickup into another truck. After a search warrant for his blood was issued more than two hours later, tests determined that Ratliff’s blood-alcohol level was.
Ratliff completed a DWI education course, went through a substance-abuse evaluation and completed 20 hours of community service before his April court appearance, where he was fined $750.
His suspension will begin after the Bears’ final pre-season game. Ratliff will be eligible to return to the Bears’ active roster on Monday, September 28 following the team’s September 27 game against the Seattle Seahawks. Rookie Eddie Goldman should fill in while Ratliff is suspended.
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It’s not yet known if Ratliff will appeal the suspension. He entered the NFL as a seventh-round draft pick of the Dallas Cowboys. Ratliff, a four-time Pro Bowl selection with the Cowboys, had 6.5 sacks last season for the Bears and is under contract through the 2015 season. Since joining the Bears midway through the 2013 season, he has appeared in 16 games (15 starts), recording 46 tackles and eight sacks.
