Packers DL Mike Pennel Settles Appeal, Will Serve 4-Game Suspension

Mike Garafolo NFL Media reports that Packers DL Mike Pennel settled his appeal/lawsuit over a substance-abuse violation on Tuesday and will now serve his four-game suspension.

• According to Garafolo, Pennel was facing a year-long suspension but now he’ll be postseason eligible.

Pennel’s case stems from further discipline he’s facing under substance abuse policy. Pennel had an appeal date scheduled for December 6 but he’s asking the court to assign new arbitrator because he contends that there’s a conflict of interest involving arbitrator James Carter.

Pennel previously served a four-game suspension at the start of this season for a substance abuse violation.

Pennel, 25, is in the second year of his three-year, $1.53 million rookie contract that included a $3,500 signing bonus. He’ll make a base salary of $600,000 for the 2016 season before testing the market as a restricted free agent next year.

In 2016, Pennel has appeared in eight games and recorded seven tackles and no sacks for the Packers. He also contributed one pass defense.