Dallas Cowboys right tackle La’el Collins is now facing a suspension following his violations of the NFL’s substance-abuse policy, the league confirmed on Friday. As a result, the 28-year-old player will not be able to appear in any of his team’s next five matches.
The circumstances surrounding Collins’ suspension remain unclear, especially since there has been no news suggesting that the right tackle had failed any drug tests. A five-game suspension is also not stipulated explicitly in any part of the NFL’s aforementioned policy.
According to Collins’ lawyers, the player’s undisclosed infraction may be cause for a fine, but is not deemed to be worthy of a penalty. Collins’ legal team is expected to appeal the decision on the player’s behalf.
The suspension is expected to cost Collins approximately $2 million. Per the collective bargaining agreement, this violation also voids the injury guarantee worth $6.48 million in his 2022 salary.
Should the suspension be upheld, Collins will only be able to rejoin his team after their match against the New England Patriots on October 18. Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy reflected on the situation, explaining: “The timing of it is a bit awkward, but it’s just something I can’t speak of right now.”
