Eagles Right Tackle Lane Johnson Suspended 10 Games
ROB MAADDI, AP Pro Football Writer
PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Philadelphia Eagles right tackle Lane Johnson has been suspended for 10 games by the NFL for violating the league's policy on performance-enhancing substances.
Johnson will be eligible to return on Dec. 19. It's his second suspension. One more would cost Johnson two years. Johnson appealed the positive test, but an arbiter upheld the ruling.
"We are disappointed with arbitrator James Carter's summary ruling," Johnson's attorney, Steve Zashin, said in a statement Tuesday. "We will wait for his formal written opinion. After we review that decision, we will consider all available legal options."
In January, Johnson signed a 5-year, $56 million contract that included a $10 million signing bonus and $35.5 million guaranteed. His base salary for this season is $675,000, so he has to forfeit $421,875. The suspension also nullifies his guaranteed money.
Eagles executive Howie Roseman said the team is "very disappointed" in Johnson but will "welcome him back" in December.
"His actions have affected the entire organization," Roseman said. "We are all working under a clearly defined set of rules and regulations set forth by the NFL in the collective bargaining agreement with the NFLPA."
The Eagles (3-1) visit Washington (3-2) on Sunday.
Rookie Halapoulavaati Vaita will get an opportunity to replace Johnson in practice this week. Coach Doug Pederson also is considering moving Allen Barbre from left guard to right tackle and inserting Stefen Wisniewski or Isaac Seumalo into the starting lineup at left guard.
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