The NFL has suspended Broncos kicker Matt Prater four games for violating the substance abuse policy. According to Prater’s lawyer, the suspension comes because “a couple beers were consumed at home while [Prater] was on vacation,” which would normally be fine except for the fact that the kicker is in the league’s alcohol treatment program following an August 2011 DUI arrest.
Prater is a big loss for the Broncos’ offense, which most would agree is the NFL’s best. He made 25 of his 26 field goal attempts last season, and set an NFL record with a 64 yard boot at home against the Tennessee Titans. His 81 touchbacks on kickoffs were easily the best in the league, and in addition to making the Pro Bowl for the first time he was named Second-team All-Pro.
Because the suspension was originally year-long and was argued down to four games by his lawyer, Prater is not expected to appeal. The Broncos have rookie Mitch Ewald on the roster, or could go to the free agent pool to find a suitable replacement.
In unrelated news, Ray Rice is still suspended just two games.
[via Denver Post]
