Bears defensive lineman Jeremiah Ratliff has been suspended by the NFL without pay for the first three games of the season for violating the league's Policy and Program for Substances of Abuse.


Defensive lineman Jeremiah Ratliff will miss the Bears' first three games. The suspension stems from an incident that occurred on Jan. 22, 2013 when Ratliff—who then played for the Cowboys—was arrested just outside Dallas on suspicion of drunk driving. He pled guilty to the DWI charge in May and was given one year of probation and fined.

Ratliff will miss games against the Packers, Cardinals and Seahawks. During his suspension, the 11-year NFL veteran will be permitted to attend team meetings at Halas Hall but will be prohibited from practicing.

Ratliff is allowed to practice and play in preseason games. After serving his suspension, he will be eligible to resume practicing on Monday. Sept. 28 and will be able to play in the Bears’ Oct. 4 game against the Oakland Raiders at Soldier Field.

Ratliff spent nine seasons with the Cowboys from 2005-13, earning four consecutive trips to the Pro Bowl from 2008-11. Since joining the Bears midway through the 2013 season, he has appeared in 16 games with 15 starts, recording 55.2 tackles and eight sacks.

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favrefan said:"Chris Coghlan isn't gonna pay your rent, Jimmy."

Let the law give out the punishments has always been my opinion. If they're not in jail they can play. This is a not a nuclear reactor or a commuter train conductor job.

I think it is dumb it dragged out this long and Bears are punished for misdeeds on Cowboys time.

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Elections have consequences.