NFL suspends a former standout player from Alabama for six games.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has banned Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Justyn Ross for six regular-season games, the league announced on Friday.
The former standout player for Alabama private school was punished for breaking the NFL’s code of conduct.
Because he has missed the past five games on the Commissioner Exempt List while the NFL evaluated his situation, Ross will need to serve only one more game before he can return to the Chiefs. Ross’ suspension will be lifted on Monday, the day after Kansas City plays the Buffalo Bills.
Three days after Ross filed two not-guilty pleas to misdemeanor charges in Johnson County (Kansas) District Court, the NFL put him on the Commissioner Exempt List on October 27. Ross was charged with domestic assault without prior criminal history and criminal damage of less than $1,000 at his arraignment.
On October 23, Ross was taken into custody in Shawnee, Kansas. Ross was freed on a $2,500 personal recognizance bond following his arraignment.
Ross was given diversion in this case, and when he finishes the court-approved program, the accusations against him will be withdrawn.
Being placed on the Commissioner Exempt List differs from receiving a suspension from the league commissioner. A player on the Commissioner Exempt List is still paid, but he is not allowed to practice or play until the NFL is satisfied that the legal issue that sparked the action has been resolved.
Ross will thus need to comply with the six-game suspension that was handed on Friday by returning the five game checks that he was given while on the list. Ross will lose out on over $323,000 in wages due to the ban.
Ross did not play in his first season with the Chiefs; he is currently in his second one. Ross was an undrafted rookie from Clemson who signed with the Chiefs last season. However, following foot surgery, he was placed on injured reserve for the 2022 campaign.
In seven games this season, Ross has played 81 offensive snaps and 63 special teams plays. For 34 yards, he has three receptions.
Ross was selected to the Central-Phenix City first team in 2016 and 2017, having being selected to the second team in 2015. Ross returned 14 punts for an average of 27.4 yards and two touchdowns as a senior, while also catching 37 catches for 730 yards and 13 scores.
