Title: New Orleans Saints Safety Marcus Maye Suspended Three Games for Violating NFL Substance Abuse Policy
Date: September 20, 2023
New Orleans Saints safety Marcus Maye has been suspended for three games by the NFL due to a violation of the league’s substance abuse policy, according to a statement released by the NFL on Wednesday.
Maye’s suspension is effective immediately, causing him to miss crucial games against the Green Bay Packers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and New England Patriots. He is eligible to return to the lineup in Week 5, right before the Saints’ game against the Houston Texans.
This suspension comes just a month after Maye reached a plea deal in a 2021 driving under the influence charge, for which he had initially pleaded not guilty but later changed to a no contest plea. As per the NFL policy on substance abuse, a first-time offender like Maye receives a three-game suspension without pay if they admit or are convicted of violating alcohol-related laws, including arrangements such as diversionary programs or deferred adjudication.
Maye had faced charges of driving under the influence, DUI/damage to property and person, and leaving the scene of the crash stemming from a car accident in Florida in February 2021. The owner of the Volvo involved in the crash had filed a civil suit against Maye, seeking damages for injuries. However, a settlement was reached on August 23, 2023, as court records indicate.
After spending five seasons with the New York Jets, Maye signed with the Saints ahead of the 2022 season. He has started 10 games for the team, including both games this season. The Saints currently have Jordan Howden, a 2023 fifth-round pick, and veteran J.T. Gray on the roster as alternatives at the strong safety position. Additionally, Lonnie Johnson Jr. and Ugo Amadi are also available at the safety position.
Maye joins running back Alvin Kamara and rookie quarterback Jake Haener as the third Saints player to serve a suspension this season. Kamara is currently serving a three-game suspension for a violation of the NFL’s personal conduct policy related to an off-the-field incident in 2022. Haener, on the other hand, is serving a six-game suspension for violating the league’s performance-enhancing drugs policy.
Marcus Maye’s suspension poses a significant setback for the New Orleans Saints’ defense, as they face three tough opponents in the coming weeks. It remains to be seen how the team will adapt to his absence and whether Maye can learn from this experience to avoid further violations of the NFL’s substance abuse policy in the future.