League suspends Green 4 games



He was credited for sitting out last week's game.
BEREA (AP) -- A chaotic week for the Cleveland Browns got crazier when running back William Green was suspended for four games by the NFL for violating the league's substance abuse program.
The suspension of the club's leading rusher on Thursday came two days after the Browns released wide receiver Kevin Johnson, Cleveland's top playmaker since 1999.
"It has been a very difficult week," team president Carmen Policy said.
Green was already enrolled in the league's treatment program, and the suspension means the second-year back had twice violated his personal program.
The 23-year-old was suspended for marijuana use at Boston College. The league may have placed Green in the first stage of their treatment program because of what happened in college or because of a positive test since he joined the Browns.
Involved alcohol
The Browns said the violation which led to Green's four-game suspension involved the use of alcohol.
"I'm confident he's going to work at overcoming whatever problems he has and we are going to support him 100 percent," Policy said.
Green was arrested Oct. 27 on charges of drunken driving and marijuana possession.
The Browns suspended him for last Sunday's game at Kansas City for "conduct detrimental to the team", and the league will count that game as part of its suspension.
Green, who will lose $70,588, was informed of his NFL suspension on Saturday and decided to forgo an appeal. He is not eligible to play until Dec. 8 when the Browns play host to the Rams.
Policy said despite Green's problems, the Browns consider him a big part of their future.
Green's off-field infractions may have led to him sliding to the No. 16 overall pick in the 2002 draft despite being the highest-rated running back in that year's class.
Policy said the Browns were aware of Green's past problems before they drafted him, but the club felt it could help him overcome them.
James Jackson will start in Green's spot on Sunday against Arizona.
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