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Free agent safety T.J. McDonald suspended 8 games for NFL substance violation

By The Sports Xchange
St. Louis Rams strong safety T.J. McDonald intercepts a pass intended for Washington Redskins wide receiver Pierre Garcon in the fourth quarter at FedEx Field on December 7, 2014 in Landover, Maryland. File photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI
St. Louis Rams strong safety T.J. McDonald intercepts a pass intended for Washington Redskins wide receiver Pierre Garcon in the fourth quarter at FedEx Field on December 7, 2014 in Landover, Maryland. File photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI | License Photo

Free agent safety T.J. McDonald has been suspended for the first eight games of the 2017 season for violating the NFL's policy for substances of abuse, the league announced on Wednesday.

The penalty stems from a May arrest after McDonald crashed into a parked car, leading to a misdemeanor count of driving under the influence of drugs.

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McDonald pleaded guilty in January and was sentenced to 36 months of summary probation, a $390 fine plus penalty assessments, a three-month alcohol program, 200 hours of court-approved community services and 18 narcotic anonymous classes.

McDonald started all 16 games last season for the Los Angeles Rams, collecting 64 tackles and two interceptions. The 26-year-old McDonald has recorded 285 tackles, five sack, and four interceptions in four seasons with the Rams.

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