Fansided

Chiefs’ Sean Smith handed 3-game suspension for DUI

By Kyle Franzoni

Dec 7, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) catches a pass as he
Dec 7, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) catches a pass as he /
facebooktwitterreddit

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell continues to drop the hammer with the league’s DUI Policy, this time on Chiefs’ cornerback Sean Smith.

Sean Smith was a 2nd-team All-Pro selection for the Kansas City Chiefs in 2014, setting himself apart as one of the NFL’s best cornerbacks. However, Smith will have a tough time repeating the feat after learning he’ll suspended by the league for the first three games of 2015 per Adam Schefter of ESPN.

The 28-year-old received a three-game suspension from the NFL on Friday, a punishment for a guilty plea to a DUI charge in June 2014. Under the league’s substance abuse policy, the commissioner can issue a suspension for up to two games for a DUI. However, the league reserves the right to add additional games for circumstances including injury or property damage. In this case, Smith hit and destroyed a telephone pole resulting in the additional game, as per NFL.com’s Ian Rappaport.

Smith came to an agreement on a guilty plea in April, which resulted in two-years of probation and a fine. In addition to the sentencing, Smith had a careless driving charge dropped.

Upon hearing of the suspension, the Chiefs issued the following statement:

"“This morning the NFL notified the club that cornerback Sean Smith will serve a three-game suspension effective Week 1 of the regular season. We respect and support the league’s decision in this matter and will have no further comment on the situation.”"

Coming into 2015, Sean Smith had played 79 consecutive games at corner back, dating back to his time with the Miami Dolphins. He signed a three-year, $18 million deal ($11 million guaranteed) with Kansas City prior to the 2013 season and has been a steady producer for the team in the two years since.

In 32 games (31 starts) with the Chiefs,  Smith has 89 tackles and three interceptions. That includes one in 2013 that was returned 100 yards for a touchdown, the only one of his six-year career. He’s had a combined approximate value of 11 over the last two seasons, according to Pro-Football Reference.

With Smith out for the initial three games of the season, the Chiefs’ depth at corner will be tested. His snaps will likely go to Sanders Commings, unless first round draft pick Marcus Peters comes into camp and takes them. That could open the door for the Chiefs to part ways with Smith if they feel an adequate replacement is in house.

Sean Smith will be eligible to rejoin the Chiefs on September 29th, making his first game availability against the Cincinnati Bengals on October 4th.

Next: 30 best defenders in NFL history

More from Kansas City Chiefs

Home/Kansas City Chiefs