NFL extends suspension of Cleveland’s RB Green

Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2003 | 10:40 a.m.

SUN WIRE REPORTS

The NFL extended its suspension for troubled Cleveland Browns running back William Green on Tuesday, making it unlikely he will play again this season.

Green was expected to rejoin the Browns on Monday from a four-game suspension for violating the league's substance-abuse policy. But the league said it has lengthened its ban on the second-year back for "treatment purposes."

Commissioner Paul Tagliabue will decide when Green can return to the Browns after consulting with medical experts in the substance program, the league said in a statement.

Green, 23, was suspended by the NFL for four games on Nov. 8 after being arrested on charges of driving under the influence and marijuana possession. He has a pretrial hearing scheduled for Wednesday.

While serving his suspension, Green's fiancee was accused of stabbing him in the back with a steak knife. Asia Gray was charged with felonious assault and domestic violence.

Green, who was twice suspended for marijuana use while at Boston College, hasn't played in a game since Oct. 19. Cleveland's leading rusher missed the Browns' Oct. 26 game at New England with a separated shoulder, and the next day police arrested him on the DUI and drug charges.

The Cowboys activated undrafted rookie running back Erik Bickerstaff from the practice squad to replace Ross on the roster. Running back ReShard Lee, who got an injury-settlement release after having knee surgery during training camp, was added to the practice squad.

Pete Hunter probably will take over as the nickel back in the secondary. It was a role he played most of last season.

Thompson's agent, James Williams, said the violation involved alcohol. The suspension was announced after Thompson's appeal was rejected by the NFL.

Thompson entered the league's substance abuse policy after a drunken driving arrest in the Phoenix suburb of Gilbert in October of 2001. He has been subject to random tests since then.