| | ESPN.com news services
MIAMI -- Miami Dolphins running back J.J. Johnson is appealing a four-game suspension that has been handed down for violating the NFL's steroid policy, Dolphins sources told ESPN on Monday.
The league has yet to announce the suspension, but Dolphins sources say it has been handed down and Johnson is in the process of appealing it. Johnson will play Monday night for the Dolphins in their exhibition game against the Green Bay Packers in Miami.
A decision on the appeal by the commissioner's office is
expected before the season begins Sept. 3, a source, who did
not want to be identified, told The Associated Press.
The league and the Dolphins declined to comment.
"Anything involving the league along those matters is
confidential, so I don't have any comment right now," Miami coach
Dave Wannstedt said.
Johnson's agent, Drew Rosenhaus, was at Miami's game against
Green Bay on Monday night but refused to comment on the suspension.
The NFL has a no-tolerance policy regarding steroid use, which
means Johnson would be suspended even for his first offense.
Johnson, 26, was expected to start the Dolphins' opener against
Seattle. He started four games as a rookie last year and led the
team with 558 yards rushing in 164 carries with four touchdowns. He also caught 15 passes for 100 yards.
The suspension doesn't include exhibition games. Johnson sat out
the first half against the Packers, but entered the game with about
four minutes to play in the third quarter.
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report. | |
AUDIO/VIDEO
 Chris Mortensen thinks the Dolphins running game will be fine without J.J. Johnson.
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