Early today, Broncos linebacker Von Miller said he hadn’t heard from the league. Now he has.
Miller officially has been suspended six games.
“The Substances of Abuse policy requires everyone to comply with the rules,” Miller said in a statement released to the media. “Although my suspension doesn’t result from a positive test, there is no excuse for my violations of the rules. I made mistakes and my suspension has hurt my team, Broncos fans, and myself. I am especially sorry for the effect of my bad decisions on others. I will not make the the same mistakes about adhering to the policy in the future. During my time off the field, I will work tirelessly and focus exclusively on remaining in peak shape. I look forward to contributing immediately upon my upon my return to the field and bringing a championship back to the people of Denver.”
The fact that the outcome of the suspension is official implies that a hearing happened. Which means that the reports from last Thursday that he was meeting with NFLPA lawyers and not attending a hearing on his situation may have been false -- unless the league was pushing for something more than six games and the situation was resolved via negotiations between the NFL and the union.
Indeed, Miller received a hearing. He advanced his arguments. And the league rendered a decision. Miller’s statement suggests he’ll accept the suspension, serve the time, and move on.
At a base salary of $2,284,125 in 2013, the loss of six game checks will result in the sacrifice of $806,161.76 in wages.
Whatever Miller did to get suspended, it probably wasn’t worth $806,161.76.