METAIRIE, La., July 19 (UPI) -- The NFL confirmed Friday that four-time Pro Bowl cornerback Dale Carter of the New Orleans Saints has been suspended indefinitely for violating the league's substance abuse policy.
NFL rules prohibit league or team officials from commenting on the specifics of such suspensions, but ESPN reported that the violation was for alcohol and not for a banned substance.
Carter previously was suspended for the entire 2000 season for violating the policy.
Under terms of the program, players who violate the substance abuse policy following a one-year ban are suspended indefinitely.
Carter's suspension began immediately and he is prohibited from participating in any team activities.
"This is unfortunate, but right now our concern for Dale goes beyond football," Saints General Manager Mickey Loomis said.
"We're going to give him all the support that we can to make sure he gets through this. Dale has expressed his desire to play again and his sorrow for not being able to help the team at the start of training camp.
"With everyone's support over the next few months, we believe Dale will overcome this and be a productive football player again in the future."
Carter was reinstated to the NFL last season following a 19-month suspension for repeat violations of the league's substance abuse policy and signed with the Minnesota Vikings last November. He started eight of nine games at left cornerback and had 37 tackles and six passes defensed.
Despite Carter's status as a multiple offender of the substance abuse policy, the Saints signed him to a seven-year, $26.9 million contract in March.
"I want to apologize to my teammates, the Saints and our fans for letting them down and I will commit myself to getting back on the football field to help the Saints as soon as I can," Carter said. "I recognize the importance of the league's program and accept this suspension and all of the conditions
required for me to reapply. I plan on reapplying as soon as possible."
The reinstatement of an indefinitely suspended player is determined by NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue in consultation with the program's medical experts.
The loss of Carter for what appears to be at least six games is a major blow to the Saints. Known for his man-to-man cover skills, Carter had been a standout in workouts and minicamp sessions.
Without Carter, veteran Ken Irvin, who was signed as a free gent to play nickel back, third-year player Michael Hawthorne and rookie Keyuo Craver will compete for a starting cornerback spot opposite Fred Thomas.
A first-round pick of the Kansas City Chiefs in 1992, Carter has started 110 of 127 games. He was voted to the Pro Bowl four straight years from 1994-97 and signed a six-year, $34 million contract as a free agent with the Denver Broncos in 1999.
But, shortly after his first season with the Broncos, Carter violated the league's substance abuse policy twice within a three-month period, initially getting a four-game suspension before a one-year ban. After being reinstated, Carter was waived by the Broncos and signed with the Vikings.
