Cam Sutton has been suspended without pay for the first eight games of the regular season for violating the NFL's personal conduct policy. The league made the news official Monday afternoon.
Sutton was released from his three-year, $33-million contract by the Lions this offseason after learning of his warrant for a misdemeanor battery charge in Florida. Sutton turned himself in to the Hillsborough County (Fla.) Sheriff's Office on March 31 after being wanted for weeks by police.
On April 17, Sutton reached a legal resolution on the charge by entering a pretrial diversion program, requiring a mental health evaluation and possible treatment. He also is subject to a probation period and will not be allowed to possess a firearm as part of the program.
The Steelers reunited with Sutton in early June, signing him to a one-year, $1.21-million contract -- the veteran minimum -- to upgrade the team's secondary. Sutton addressed reporters at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex after his signing was official, but couldn't discuss specifics about his legal issues with respect to what discipline could come from the NFL.
"What ever it comes down to, we're ready to move in that direction," Sutton said. "But at the end of the day you just keep moving on with your business, keep moving in the right direction, and be ready when it's time."
Sutton held true to that mentality as he is not appealing the eight-game suspension. He will be eligible for reinstatement on Oct. 29 following the Steelers' Week 8 game against the Giants. While Sutton is suspended, he will not count towards the team's 53-man roster.
