The NFL announced Tuesday that they have suspended Giants linebacker Michael Boley without pay for the first game of the season for violating the league’s personal conduct policy.
Boley was arrested and charged with battery in May of 2008. The New York Daily News confirms that the suspension is for that incident.
It has been an up and down offseason for the former Falcon. He signed a five-year, $25 million contract to join the Giants in February and was expected to start at weakside linebacker. Bryan Kehl or Gerris Wilkinson will likely fill in for Boley.
But Boley underwent hip surgery in late June, and was expected to have a 8-10 week recovery. His status for the season opener was already in doubt.
Now he has an extra week to get ready for the start of the regular season, minus a paycheck.
UPDATE: Adam Schefter reports that “everyone involved” knew this was coming when the Giants signed Boley.