Bills DT Marcel Dareus Facing 4-Game Suspension For Missed Drug Test

Update:

Bills DT Marcell Dareus confirmed Wednesday that his four-game suspension stems from a missed drug test.

“I really don’t have much to say. Words don’t mean anything now. It’s all actions, now,” Dareus told reporters. “I’ve apologized to my team. My team loves me to death, they know what kind of person I am. They have my back.”

“I put myself last for the most part. It’s not about me. I sacrifice myself. No one is perfect,” Dareus said. “Talk is cheap. We can say anything. Y’all will see me when I get back.”

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Adam Schefter of ESPN reports that Bills DT Marcell Dareus could end up losing $1.505 million in total forfeiture between his signing bonus and option bonus for the four-game suspension he’s facing.

According to Schefter, Dareus’ guarantee in 2016 will void, but the rest of his guarantees will not be affected because language included in the deal that limits the voiding of guarantees to the year he commits the breach.

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Bills DT Marcel Dareus posted the following statement on his Instagram Tuesday regarding his four-game suspension:

With deepest regrets I want to apologize to the @BuffaloBills organization, my fans, my family and the entire NFL football community for the incident that led to me missing 4 games for the upcoming 2016-2017 season. I will not #makeexcuses for the events in question and will allow the process to proceed as is required by the @NFL; however, please know and understand I am committed to the game and am more committed to my #Billsorganization and fans. This temporary setback will only fuel my desire and commitment to bring#Buffalochampionships and the#SuperBowl. I ask at this time that you continue to #believe in me and I will continue to invest all that I have to bring honor and respect to the organization and my fans and ultimately bring#Buffalomafia what it deserves – a#SuperBowl! Thank you for continuing to support me – I will rise above this setback, as with every challenge brings an opportunity for growth and supreme#success!

The Bills also issued a statement confirming his suspension while expressing their disappointment with the situation.

We are very disappointed Marcell chose to put himself first, before his teammates, coaches and the rest of the organization through his recent actions. From ownership down we have made it clear his behavior is unacceptable. We will continue to take the necessary steps to work with him in order that he adheres to the policies set forth by our league.  As an organization, we will move forward with our preparations for the start of the 2016 NFL season in Baltimore on September 11. 

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ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that Bills DT Marcel Dareus is facing a four-game suspension for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy.

• Schefter adds that Dareus still could appeal the four-game suspension.
• Ian Rapoport reports that Dareus’ looming suspension stems from marijuana use.
• According to Field Yates, Dareus’ contract does not have void language for guaranteed money tied to a substance abuse-related suspension.

This explains why the Bills elected to sign two veteran D-linemen yesterday in Brandon Deaderick and Alameda Ta’amu.

Dareus, 26, is a former first-round pick of the Bills back in 2011. He signed a massive seven-year, $103.2 million contract that included $60 million guaranteed with the Bills last year and stands to make a base salary of $7.9 million for the 2016 season.

In 2015, Dareus appeared in 15 games for the Bills and recorded 51 tackles and two sacks. Pro Football Focus had him rated as the No. 17 interior defensive lineman out of 123 qualifying players.