Falcons' Hawley suspended 4 games
Atlanta Falcons center Joe Hawley was suspended for four games for violating the league's substance abuse policy, the NFL announced Monday.
"Joe Hawley of the Atlanta Falcons has been suspended without pay for the team's next four games for violating the NFL policy on performance enhancing substances," according to a statement from the league.
Hawley's suspension begins immediately, and he will be eligible to return on Monday, Dec. 17, after the Falcons' game against the Giants on Dec. 16.
Hawley, 24, started 12 games last season, but did not start any of the six games in which he played this year.
Hawley's agent, Kevin Omell, said in a statement that Hawley tested positive for Adderall.
"In September, Joe Hawley made a mistake by taking an Adderall pill," Omell said in his statement. "He did not file the paperwork to apply for an exemption for this medication, and now understands that the NFL/NFLPA drug policies have strict rules."
Omell said Hawley will not appeal the suspension.
