Broncos’ title hopes sink with Miller ban

Top defensive player gone 6 games over violation

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. Broncos linebacker Von Miller will serve a six-game suspension under the NFL’s substanceabuse policy, a violation the linebacker said did not result from a positive test.

The league wanted a longer penalty for the third-year linebacker, but the sides agreed to less than half the season, a person familiar with the negotiations between the linebacker and the NFL told The Associated Press.

The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity Tuesday because details about the negotiations were not public.

According to the NFL, Miller is eligible to play and practise through the last two preseason games. His suspension, without pay, will begin Aug. 31. He can return to the team Oct. 14, the day after Denver’s home game against Jacksonville, and will be eligible for an Oct. 20 contest at the Indianapolis Colts.

After being notified of the decision, Miller released a statement saying “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,” he said. “I am especially sorry for the effect of my bad decisions on others. I will not make 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 ... bringing a championship back to the people of Denver.”

The NFL has two drug policies — one that covers use of performance-enhancing substances and the Policy and Program for Substances of Abuse that applied to Miller’s case.

The Broncos had been operating throughout the preseason as if Miller would be with them for their regular-season opener Sept. 5.

Now, a team with Super Bowl aspirations must scramble to replace its best player on defence, the runner-up last season for the league’s defensive player of the year.

Likely to take his spot at the rush linebacker position is Shaun Phillips, a 10-year veteran.

Miller, meanwhile, has a number of issues pending before his return. Among them, staying in playing shape while not being allowed to practise with the team. He also must clear up his recent arrest for failing to appear in court for traffic violations.