The Washington Redskins have confirmed that the NFL has decided to suspend offensive tackle Trent Williams for violating the league's substance abuse policy. Although he has been suspended without pay, the Redskins noted that the athlete is still allowed to attend meetings and work out sessions.
The Redskins issued the announcement on Nov. 1 and according to the statement released by a representative of the NFL, Williams' suspension will takes effect this week, which is currently the Redskins' bye week.
Based on the duration of the player's suspension, he will miss a total of four games with the Redskins. He will be reinstated to the team's active roster on Dec. 5 after the Redskins face off against the Arizona Cardinals at Week 13. The first game that he will miss is the match against the Minnesota Vikings on Nov. 13 following the Redskins' bye week.
As noted by the team, it has already held a meeting with Williams and even though he's suspended, he can still attend the meetings and work out sessions of the Redskins franchise.
"Today, Trent Williams was suspended by the NFL under the terms of the Policy and Program on Substances of Abuse for the next four games," the Redskins said in a statement. "We met Trent today to discuss this unfortunate news."
"Per the terms of the Policy, Trent will be permitted to participate in team meetings and work out at the Redskins' facilities throughout this time," the team added. "The Redskins are counting on Trent to help our team when he returns from his suspension. Our focus will now turn to the Minnesota Vikings after our bye week this upcoming weekend."
Williams' exact violation is not yet clear but since he is still allowed to attend meeting with the team, this means that he is not being punished for his personal conduct or the use of performance-enhancing drugs.
The NFL Players Association allows violators of the league's substance abuse policy to participate in meetings interact with teammates in non-game activities because the NFL believes that these situations can benefit players.
