NFL Suspends Little 8 Games
Leonard Little, the St. Louis Rams linebacker who pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter in the drunk-driving wreck that killed a woman, was suspended without pay Friday by the NFL for the first eight games of the upcoming season.
In a statement, the NFL said the suspension was based on Little's violation of the league's substance-abuse policy.
Little faces 90 days of jail time over the next year as part of his plea agreement in the death of Susan Gutweiler, 47, of Oakville, Mo., last October. Little drove his sports utility vehicle through a red light and struck the woman's car. She died a short time later.
Police said Little, 24, got drunk on his birthday at a charity function attended by several Rams players at a downtown hotel bar before the accident.
As part of the plea agreement, Little will be able to attend informal workouts and training with the Rams.
In addition to the jail time, Little must serve four years probation, submit to drug and alcohol testing, perform 1,000 hours of community service and work with Mothers Against Drunk Driving.
In its statement, the NFL detailed the case, adding that "players are subject to discipline by the commissioner for alcohol-related violations of law."
The suspension runs through the game of Nov. 7. He will be allowed to work out with the team and take part in exhibition games.
©1999 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed