Serrated Shadow

ESPN - Raiders' Rhodes suspended for first four games - NFL

ALAMEDA, Calif. -- Oakland Raiders running back Dominic Rhodes was suspended Tuesday for the first four games of the season for violating the league's substance abuse policy.

The league does not disclose reasons for substance abuse suspensions, but Rhodes pleaded guilty in the offseason to reckless driving charges in Indiana after prosecutors agreed to drop drunken driving charges against him.

Rhodes, who spent his six years in Indianapolis, signed a two-year contract in the offseason with the Raiders that could be worth up to $7.5 million. He is expected to split time with last year's starter LaMont Jordan as the Raiders try to improve a running game that averaged 3.9 yards per carry in 2006.

Because of the suspension, Rhodes will forfeit $352,941 of his scheduled $1.5 million base salary for 2007.

Rhodes started all 16 regular-season games last season, rushing for 641 yards and five touchdowns. After backing up Edgerrin James since entering the league, Rhodes shared the job last season with rookie Joseph Addai. He has 2,274 yards rushing in his career.

Rhodes had one of his best performances in the Colts' Super Bowl win over the Chicago Bears, rushing for 113 yards in Indianapolis' 29-17 victory.

Rhodes will be able to participate in training camp and in all preseason games. His suspension will begin Aug. 31, the day after Oakland's final exhibition game, and he will be eligible to return Oct. 1, following the fourth game of the season against Miami. Rhodes will also miss games against Detroit, Denver and Cleveland.

Rhodes was pulled over by an Indiana state trooper in February for driving 81 mph in a 55-mph zone. He was originally charged with operating a vehicle while intoxicated and operating a vehicle with a blood-alcohol level above the legal limit.

Rhodes pleaded guilty in March to reckless driving and was sentenced to 180 days in jail. But 178 were suspended and he received credit for two days.

In 2002, Rhodes was charged with domestic battery in connection with a disturbance at his home involving his child's mother, Latrina Moore. He avoided prosecution and was placed in a diversionary program and underwent mental health counseling.

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Professor

In Indy, this guy was considered a great and professional player, he goes to oakland and gets arrested and does drugs, is this proof that you are a product of your environment. LOL

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Serrated Shadow

Imagine what would have happened if he had gone to Cincy...

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till.death.do.us.part

This sucks.... ef it. Serve your suspension and lets get it over with.

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bonds=cheat to win

RoyWilliams

He did the crime in Indiana, before he even signed with Oakland Prof.

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Professor

yeah, I know, I thought I could sneak that in there, maybe that's why Oak signed him, lol

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Dawardoe

Hahaha yea thats probablly why they signed him.

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stormdriver

Aaah. Lamont's a better back anyway, and it's not like you guys are looking at playoffs no matter who is in the backfield. I wouldn't worry too much.

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Idaho Vandals Fan
Green Bay Packers Fan

Professor

Oaklands defense is going to be a top defense this year, that alone will keep them in some games, the oline is still in need of work and that will hurt Russell, if they throw him to the wolves, the offense will struggle, no matter the back. Both Jordan and Rhodes catch passes well, but I would give the edge to Jordan, he had like 70 catches a couple seasons ago. missing rhodes for four games won't hurt them this year, it is just a risk for having him possibly miss time in the future.

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austin.2

This was the right decision to suspended the rhodes. Severe punishment must be given for rhodes because this was not the first for him to do all these things,its better to rhodes to quiet.