The New England Patriots were notified by the NFL league offices today that wide receiver Terry Glenn will be suspended for the first four games of the 2001 NFL season for failure to comply with the NFL's Policy and Program for Substances of Abuse. The program was initiated by the league in 1994.
"We have been aware of this possibility for some time," Head Coach Bill Belichick said. "But the NFL did not present us with any conclusive outcome until today. League policies are very strict regarding the confidentiality of this program. All I can really say is the league has made its ruling and we will abide by it.
"Terry can expect to be fully supported by the Patriots organization during this time, as he deals with the NFL's decision as well as any other personal situation for which he seeks assistance.
"While it certainly doesn't help to be without Terry for four games, we have made a concerted effort to strengthen that position, regardless of Terry's availability. We'll just adjust as if we lost a player to injury. There won't be any drastic changes in our approach to training camp, because at this time of year, there are a lot of repetitions to be spread around. All of our players are responsible for being here and getting ready for the season, Terry included. He will just prepare for four less games than the rest."
The NFL's Policy and Program for Substances of Abuse is a confidential program separately administered independent of any club involvement through an agreement between NFL and the NFL Player's Association. The first indication of a substance problem leads to a player entering stage one of the program. This is a non-disciplinary stage.
A second incident within a specified period of time leads to a player entering stage two of the program, which carries a fine. An additional failure to comply with the program while the player is in stage two leads to a suspension.
"We are going to discuss within the organization the appropriate manner in which to handle this situation as it relates to Terry's contract," Patriots Chief Operating Officer Andy Wasynczuk said. "There are clauses within Terry's contract that are affected by this suspension. We will discuss both internally and with Terry's representatives how we can best move forward from here."
Glenn is eligible for reinstatement on Monday, Oct. 1, following the Patriots fourth game of the season, which is against Indianapolis on Sept. 30.
