NEW YORK, June 7 (UPI) -- The National Football League suspended Minnesota Vikings running back Onterrio Smith Tuesday for the 2005 season for a violation of its substance abuse policy.
Smith, 24, served a served a four-game suspension last season and was involved in several incidents when he came to the NFL in 2003. He had been dismissed from the University of Oregon, where marijuana use ended his collegiate career.
He was detained on May 1 after being caught at the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport airport with several vials of dried urine and a device called the Whizzinator, manufactured to beat drug tests.
In his absence, the Vikings will turn to Michael Bennett, Moe Williams and Melwelde Moore to carry the load at running back. Last season, Smith rushed for 544 yards an two touchdowns. He added 36 receptions for 394 yards and two scores.
