Troubled Dolphins WR Antonio Callaway suspended yet again for substance abuse violation

Antonio Callaway has been suspended yet again.

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Antonio Callaway always seems to be more in the news for punitive reasons than celebratory ones, and the poorly-behaved wide receiver ended up in headlines once again because of his inability to abide by the NFL’s substance policy.

Callaway, who is already serving a three-game suspension, just had another four games tacked onto that original ban, meaning he can’t make his debut until Week 8 against the Los Angeles Rams should the Dolphins not release him.

Antonio Callaway’s concerning behavior dates back to his days at Florida

A nimble speed demon with home-run potential on every play, no one can question Callaway’s talent. However, his behavior hasn’t improved since his days in Gainesville. Callaway didn’t play a down of football during his junior season due to the fact he was accused of committing sexual assault. While eventually cleared by a Florida booster acting as the attorney during the Title IX hearing, the incident ravaged his NFL stock.

After John Dorsey and the Cleveland Browns took a chance on him in the fourth round of the 2018 NFL Draft, Callaway assumed a starting role by Week 2, eventually catching 43 passes for 586 yards and five touchdowns over the course of the year. However, he was issued a citation in 2018 for possession of marijuana, and he was eventually suspended four games.

After another violation that led to him being suspended for the last seven games of 2020 and the first three of this season, the Browns waived Callaway. Showing up late to meetings and practice likely didn’t help matters much.

After latching on with Miami’s practice squad after an unsuccessful XFL stint, one has to wonder if Brian Flores will keep Callaway around for the rest of the season.

Sometimes, even when given all the avenues for help and support a team can provide, some players simply never “get it.” Considering Callaway is on his third suspension in the last two years, that’s probably a sign that his recurring poor behavior isn’t going to stop soon.