When word emerged that Cardinals linebacker Daryl Washington will miss all of the 2014 regular season, many assumed he had received a very stiff suspension under the personal conduct policy, after pleading guilty to aggravated assault earlier this year.
Instead, Washington was suspended under the substance-abuse policy. Which means that he is still subject to discipline under the conduct policy.
Per a source with knowledge of the situation, Washington’s review will proceed, but with less urgency. While it’s not officially on hold, it’s not longer critical that the situation be resolved before Week One of the 2014 regular season.
That gives the league more time to deal with other pending reviews under the personal conduct policy, including most notably Ravens running back Ray Rice, who has entered a diversionary program to resolve charges of aggravated assault of his fianceé, now wife.
Under the personal conduct policy, all discipline is imposed by the league office, with appeals handled by the Commissioner or his designee.