Aug. 24--Chicago Bears defensive lineman Jeremiah Ratliff has been suspended by the NFL for the first three games of the regular season without pay, the league announced Monday morning.
Ratliff is not expected to pursue an appeal, so he will miss the Bears' home games against the Green Bay Packers and Arizona Cardinals and road game against the Seattle Seahawks. It's a significant blow to the Bears' new 3-4 base front, which is counting on him to anchor the center of the line.
The suspension is the result of Ratliff's guilty plea in April to a DWI charge that stemmed from a January 2013 arrest. After Ratliff's court case concluded, the Bears knew to expect disciplinary action from the league.
The NFL determined he violated the league's policy and program for substance abuse. His suspension will begin after the final exhibition game. He is eligible to attend team meetings during his suspension, but he is banned from practice.
Ratliff, a four-time Pro Bowler at age 33, is one of few defensive players John Fox's coaching staff considered to be building blocks when they took over in January. They have repeatedly praised his talent, rugged demeanor and experience.
On Aug. 7, defensive coordinator Vic Fangio singled Ratliff out as the only defensive lineman on the team who had secured his spot.
Second-round rookie nose tackle Eddie Goldman is expected to take Ratliff's place on the first string. Coaches and teammates have positively reviewed Goldman's potential as a big-bodied run stuffer but acknowledge he is just starting to ascend the NFL learning curve.
Ratliff was arrested in Grapevine, Tex., on Jan. 22, 2013 after crashing his pickup into an 18-wheeler. His blood-alcohol level tested at 0.16, twice the legal limit, according to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, which cited the police report. Ratliff initially refused a breath test, so police obtained a warrant to draw a blood sample, according to the report.
Ratliff first signed with the Bears in November 2013 and re-signed a two-year deal after that season. He is expected to speak to reporters Monday after practice ends at approximately 1:15 p.m.
