A report from Adam Schefter of ESPN on Wednesday indicates that Bills tackle Seantrel Henderson is appealing a four-game suspension for a violation of the league’s substance-abuse policy.
Henderson was suspended multiple times at the University of Miami and admitted that marijuana use was the reason for those bans. The Bills have had other issues with substance abuse suspensions this year with defensive tackle Marcell Dareus opening the year on the suspended list and since-released running back Karlos Williams earning a four-game penalty while he was still a member of the team.
On Wednesday, Bills coach Rex Ryan referred questions about the suspension to the league but responded when he was asked whether the team needs to do more inside the organization in light of the suspensions. Ryan said, via Mike Rodak of ESPN.com, that he believes “we have strong programs” while allowing that “we’ve had some issues.”
Schefter reports that Henderson’s suspension “is related to a treatment” for his Crohn’s Disease, although the particular substance isn’t cited. Marijuana has been found in studies to be a useful treatment for the condition, although the league has taken a hard line against its use for either medicinal or recreational reasons. Ryan, who wasn’t commenting on the specifics of Henderson’s situation, said players have to be accountable because “if it’s against the rules it’s against the rules.”