Cincinnati Bengals middle linebacker Odell Thurman has been suspended by the NFL for the first four games of the regular season for violating the league's substance abuse policy.
Thurman started 15 games for Cincinnati as a rookie in 2005. He was selected by the Bengals in the second round of the 2005 draft out of Georgia.
Thurman had been excused from the Bengals most recent minicamp for 'personal reasons.'
Head coach Marvin Lewis said that he was 'very disappointed,' by the suspension. 'It’s something he needs to get in line with his life,' the coach added.
Although he cannot play or practice with the team while sitting out his suspension, the 23-year-old Thurman can participate in training camp and preseason games. The Bengals begin camp on Saturday.
