DALLAS -- Johnny Manziel has been suspended for the first four games of next season for violating the NFL's substance-abuse policy.
The suspension announced Thursday is not related to the NFL's domestic violence policy, but the free agent quarterback would be subject to it if he signs with another team. Manziel, released by Cleveland in March, is facing an assault charge in Dallas involving former girlfriend Colleen Crowley. The league is reviewing that case.
The 2012 Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback from Texas A&M was suspended the same week he posted pictures on Instagram from Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.
The post included a reference to his father, Paul Manziel, who called his son a "druggie" following a report from The Associated Press of one of his attorneys mistakenly sending a text that indicated doubts whether Manziel could stay clean (see full story).
Cowboys: McClain suspended 10 games, Lawrence banned 4
IRVING, Texas -- Linebacker Rolando McClain was suspended 10 games Thursday for his second violation of the NFL's substance-abuse policy in as many years, leaving the Dallas defense with three banned starters to open the season.
McClain, who was suspended the first four games last year, is now sidelined along with defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence, who was suspended four games on a substance-abuse violation after an appeal was denied.
The other suspended player projected to start is pass rusher Randy Gregory, who also will be out four games on a substance-abuse ban. The former Nebraska standout slid to the Cowboys in the second round of last year's draft after testing positive for marijuana at the NFL combine.
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All three will be allowed to participate in training camp, which starts July 30 in Oxnard, California, and in preseason games (see full story).
Jets: Richardson suspended for season opener
FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- New York Jets defensive lineman Sheldon Richardson has been suspended by the NFL for the first game of the 2016 regular season for violating the league's personal conduct policy.
Richardson will be eligible to return to the Jets' active roster on Sept. 12 following the team's Sept. 11 opener against Cincinnati. But he can participate in all preseason practices and games.
He pleaded guilty in January to resisting arrest after police clocked him driving at speeds as high as 143 mph in Missouri last July.
Resisting arrest is listed by the NFL as a violation of the personal conduct policy.
Richardson was suspended for the first four games last season for violating the league's substance abuse policy. He was the 2013 AP NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year.
Giants: Pierre-Paul makes fireworks PSA
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- Almost a year after mangling his right hand in a fireworks accident, New York Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul has made a public service announcement about keeping children away from fireworks, and warning everyone to handle the pyrotechnic devices with care.
The announcement was unveiled Thursday at a fireworks safety event in Washington by U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Chairman Elliot F. Kaye.
Pierre-Paul lost an index finger and part of his thumb, and was required to have reconstructive surgery to save his middle finger, when a device exploded in his hand on July 4. The two-time Pro Bowler missed half of last season because of the injury, and he struggled using the hand when he returned because he wore a boxing-like glove playing. It limited his ability to grab opponents.
In the public service announcement, there is a reenactment of Pierre-Paul's accident. He tells Kaye that he lit a device and it blew up almost immediately. It is followed by a picture of his severely damaged hand, another of him in the hospital with his hand bandaged, and one of the football player and his young son (see full story).
