BRISTOL, Conn., Nov. 17 (UPI) -- Baltimore Ravens running back Jamal Lewis, who is out for the season with a torn left ACL, apparently had another setback on Saturday.
According to ESPN.com, Lewis has been suspended four games by the NFL for a repeat violation of the league's substance abuse policy.
The suspension will have no impact on the field for the defending Super Bowl champions, who have been without Lewis since training camp. But the ban could hinder Lewis' rehabilitation.
Under guidelines for suspended players, Lewis can have no contact with the club during the sanctioned period, and he cannot use the team's training facility for his rehabilitation.
The suspension, which will end December 17, if Lewis complies with its conditions, will cost the second-year tailback more than $230,000 in base salary. A 2000 first-round pick, Lewis signed a six-year deal that could be worth up to $35 million.
According to the report, the action by the league means that it is the second time Lewis has violated the substance abuse program. He will now be a "Phase 2" offender and subject to as many 10 random drug screenings a month for two years.
The fifth overall pick in the 2000 draft out of Tennessee, Lewis rushed for 1,364 yards and six touchdowns as a rookie, becoming an integeral part of the Ravens' offfense en route to their Super Bowl title.
Lewis, 22, tore his left ACL in a training camp practice on August 8 and underwent surgery about a month later.
