League suspends Faulk

Running back Kevin Faulk has been suspended for the Patriots' season opener next Sunday against the Kansas City Chiefs and fined one additional game check for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy during the offseason, when he was caught with marijuana at a concert.

According to a statement released by the NFL, Faulk's suspension began yesterday. He is eligible to return to the active roster on Monday, Sept. 8, following the opener. The Patriots, who had to trim their roster to 53 players yesterday, do receive a roster exemption for Faulk until he is reinstated.

The penalties against Faulk, who is entering his 10th NFL season, stem from a Feb. 22 incident in his home state of Louisiana. While attending a Lil Wayne concert at the Cajundome in Lafayette, Faulk was stopped and searched and was found with four-hand rolled cigars with marijuana in them. He was not arrested, but was issued a citation for possession and had to agree to appear in court to face the misdemeanor charge.

Faulk pleaded no contest in July. He had a five-month jail term suspended and was placed on probation for a year. As part of the plea agreement, Faulk agreed to complete 20 hours in a substance abuse program through the NFL, which would likely put him in stage one. Players can be in stage one and subject to drug testing from 90 days to six months.

The NFL's substance abuse policy states that players are prohibited from the "illegal use, possession, or distribution of drugs, including but not limited to cocaine, marijuana, natural, synthetic and semi-synthetic opioids; methylenedioxymethamphetamine and phencyclidine."

The Patriots' all-time leader in receptions by a running back with 323, the 32-year Faulk is the team's top option out of the backfield in passing and no-huddle situations. He had 47 catches for 383 yards and a score last season and added 62 rushes for 265 yards.