Mike Pennel Suspended Four Games For Substance Abuse Violation

The NFL has announced that the Packers defensive lineman is scheduled to miss the first four games of the 2016 season.

Tom Pelissero has the goods.

No word yet as to what substance is involved, but the proposed four-game suspension suggests the league is saying he has violated the substance abuse policy a second time while in Stage Two of the three-stage program.

Pennel should still be eligible to participate in all offseason and preseason practices and games and has undoubtedly lost his appeal. (The NFL has announced the suspension, which indicates an appeal has been heard.) 

This news is particularly disappointing following what was a very promising season from the second year player. 

 

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Comments (42)

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Since'61's picture

February 19, 2016 at 03:32 pm

Yet another error in judgement by one of our DLs!! This move by Pennel may save Raji as a Packer! Thanks, Since '61

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WinUSA's picture

February 19, 2016 at 03:35 pm

SHIT

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GoldenRetriever's picture

February 19, 2016 at 10:06 pm

Is it that hard to get a DL who isn't a complete bonehead?

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Iain's picture

February 20, 2016 at 02:35 am

Aren't they all taking them?

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Packer_Pete's picture

February 19, 2016 at 03:48 pm

Well and now all it takes is another slip up by Guion...

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EdsLaces's picture

February 19, 2016 at 04:24 pm

Great now we will probably waste our 1st pick on an interior DL. If we get anyone other than Billings I'm gonna be pissed.

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Bearmeat's picture

February 19, 2016 at 07:18 pm

You know, I'm not so sure that an early DL pick or 2 is such a bad thing. Talented players are needed there - and quickly. Simply because TT sucks at the front 7 so much. The fact is that he's spent an insane amount of draft capital on those positions (with the exception of ILB) since 2005.

D Jones is probably gone after this year. Perry and Neal are probably gone now. Peppers is probably gone after this year. It's now less likely, but it's still quite possible that Raji is gone after this year too.

That leaves Daniels, Penell, Ringo, CM3, Ryan, Barrington and Elliot on the front 7. There's not much to work with there.

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Samson's picture

February 19, 2016 at 09:40 pm

Your whole synopsis is depressing but true. ---- TT needs to get off his a$$ and ask one of his assistants for advise. --- He's inept at drafting for the DL. --- Unfortunately, it's eroding the entire roster.

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dobber's picture

February 21, 2016 at 11:51 am

Two drafts and two offseasons can represent a very significant change in personnel...look at the CBs. By OTAs in June, the only CB who will have been there more than two years will be Shields...I don't count Goodson because he sucks.

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TommyG's picture

February 19, 2016 at 09:10 pm

Those are some decent names.

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Samson's picture

February 19, 2016 at 09:41 pm

None will be Packers in 2016.

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sonomaca's picture

March 04, 2016 at 12:50 am

Can definitely get a first round DL talent with a 2nd round pick this. Use the #1 on receiver or ILB.

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jeremyjjbrown's picture

February 19, 2016 at 05:58 pm

Hopefully it was just pot and not PEDs.

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JerseyAl's picture

February 19, 2016 at 08:39 pm

And hopefully, Guion didn't sell it to him.

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holmesmd's picture

February 20, 2016 at 08:10 am

Lol.

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Bearmeat's picture

February 19, 2016 at 06:10 pm

Wow. That SUUUUUUCKS.

You've got to think Raji is now smiling ear to ear. His leverage with GB just jumped about 5 notches.

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lou's picture

February 20, 2016 at 12:36 pm

B. J. Rajii your table is ready.

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Ibleedgreenmore's picture

February 19, 2016 at 06:34 pm

The good times just keep rolling.

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TommyG's picture

February 19, 2016 at 09:08 pm

I don't see this as that big of a deal at all. Our Packers under MM are usually slow out of the gate anyway. That leaves Pennel rested for the last 13 weeks of the season. I do agree that Raji's slumping stock may have just been upgraded though. I was hoping we wouldn't have to bring him back yet again this next year.

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DrealynWilliams's picture

February 19, 2016 at 09:31 pm

Hot damn it!!!

Our 2nd best D-Lineman.

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Rossonero's picture

February 20, 2016 at 12:30 am

Well, now it makes sense why Ted Thompson was so eager to reach a contract with Guion early on. He knew Pennel would be a non-factor for the first half of the season (Pennel will need several weeks to get back into football shape after his suspension).

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marpag1's picture

February 20, 2016 at 10:52 am

I think there was something else to it. In my mind, the Guion deal is a classic "keep your options open" sort of signing. I seriously doubt that the Packers really love Guion, but if he is in the fold, then they are not FORCED to draft a DL high or to reach for one. In the same way, they are not over a barrel if they want to negotiate with Raji.

Pennel? Four game suspension? Meh..... he's not even guaranteed to make the team, although he probably will.

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Oppy's picture

February 20, 2016 at 03:37 am

Packers won't sign any different of a deal with Raji right now than they would have two weeks ago.

4 games without a man doesn't influence the Packers to make a deal they wouldn't have made otherwise.

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NickPerry's picture

February 20, 2016 at 05:18 am

You'd probably be correct in saying that, it shouldn't influence the Packers determinating what they would or wouldn't do, but it could influence the season and how they start depending who the play the first 4 or 5 games.

The guy got in trouble in College, he's tested positive for "Something" twice so I'd think it would be tough and crazy for the Packers to count on him moving forward, especially with Guion being one dirty test away from a year long vacation.

There' a lot of DT and DE available this year in Free Agency who the Packers could sign like Knighton, Fairly, Hicks, Howard, or if Ted really wanted to win Wilkerson (Yeah Right). My point being there's sevral guys that would be aroud the same as Raji, maybe less who might even be better. Kendell Reyes will be a FA but after his rookie season he hasn't done as much but he might be a great fit for the Packers without the huge price tag.

This is where I have a HUGE problem with Ted Thompsons "Draft and Develop" program. The Packers NEED help at TE, ILB, DL, and OLB. I'd add in O-Line as a Need too because of who's scheduled to hit FA next season. When you use the draft and only the draft you begin to have more holes that you have picks. Not to mention, it seems thompson will reach at least once or twice in a draft and select a guy he could have 3 rounds later. The core of this team gets older with each year, it's time for Ted to give AR and MM some help!

Thoughts??

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Bearmeat's picture

February 20, 2016 at 07:14 am

You don't begin to have more holes than picks - especially if your picks are (and therefore the team) is successful. Draft and develop only just puts a HELLUVA lot of pressure on the personnel staff on draft day to get 3-4 starters and 1 all star every year.

It doesn't need to be that way.

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NickPerry's picture

February 20, 2016 at 09:33 am

AND Bearmeat, it normally doesn't happen that way. Ted's been good but not great the last 3 years drafting. The reason I say that is the Bradford, Thornton, and Rodgers in the 3rd and 4th rounds, all of his 6th round picks last year were head scratchers IMO. Who knows, maybe Ringo plays like Daniels and Backman IS actually the speedy TE they need. But you hit it on the head "It doesn't NEED to be that way". But the Packers have glaring weaknesses. TE is a problem and they learned the hard way they have no speed at WR with no promises Nelson can be as good as before. Jordy will come back and be good , I hope he can still be great.

Plus, the2011 and 12's draft really set this team back.

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Tundraboy's picture

February 20, 2016 at 10:32 am

Spot on.

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sheppercheeser's picture

February 20, 2016 at 06:03 am

I would have zero tolerance for a 2nd violation. It hurts Pennel and the whole team. I'm sure he's been schooled on the ramifications of substance abuse. Let him walk- now we can either sign Raji, sign a FA or take a good, hard look at what the draft offers. Bu-bye, Mike P!

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Packer_Pete's picture

February 20, 2016 at 06:37 am

Does anyone know when his first suspension was and for what? Couldn't find any info...

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PackerAaron's picture

February 20, 2016 at 10:06 am

The program is confidential, so there wouldn't be any info. The "first strike" puts you in the program. This would be his "second strike" which typically results in a four game suspension.

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Packer_Pete's picture

February 20, 2016 at 01:53 pm

Thanks Aaron. But I haven't even found when his first suspension was and I thought that is always announced. But in any way, discouraging to see. First strike I understand, can be something that was OTC or just carelessness. Second strike is serious especially for a young guy.

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holmesmd's picture

February 20, 2016 at 08:22 am

I'm going to assume that this was a marijuana violation. I don't think a monster the size of Pennel really needs to take roids. He seems to be a naturally strong and very large man. Since an estimated %60-70 of the players use weed, perhaps the NFL should update its antiquated policies on marijuana? If it keeps these guys calm and able to manage their constant pain without opiates, who the heck cares? Stepnowski was a NORMAL spokesperson who made some very good arguments as to why the NFL policy is so hypocritical. It's also no longer in line with popular sentiment. I wouldn't give up on big Mike. I think he's going to be a very solid player in this league. Keep in mind he's still just a kid...albeit a very large one! Lol. I would also like to see Raji back. I don't know why everyone here seems so down on him? He had a solid year, he's smart and not dirty, and I think he wants to stay in GB. Let's see what happens.

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PackerAaron's picture

February 20, 2016 at 10:08 am

The NFL policy is indeed absurd. But it is still the policy players need to adhere to if they want to continue to play in the NFL.

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holmesmd's picture

February 20, 2016 at 11:00 am

Agreed. However instead of randomly busting players and then having fans demonize them, perhaps they should change their policy. The drug testing industry in the private sector is big business in this company. Urine cops, fear, and right to privacy seem to trump reasonable policy and common sense regarding marijuana. I sure hope that continues to change for the better.

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4thand1's picture

February 20, 2016 at 09:10 am

Endless line of idiots. The Packers used to take high character people, now its JAG bum who get suspended. Why take up roster spots for players who can't be counted on?

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egbertsouse's picture

February 20, 2016 at 09:33 am

I hope TT doesn't decide to sign this guy to n extension like he did with Guion. HE seems to love the weed smokers.

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Tundraboy's picture

February 20, 2016 at 04:43 pm

Just what we needed. Getting through an off-season without something stupid happening is getting to be as hard as getting through the season without an injury.

And it usually is in an area where we are thin as it is.

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lou's picture

February 20, 2016 at 12:43 pm

It may not be pointing "straight" up but the return to health of key players and a good draft (would also like to say veteran free agent signings but that would be dishonest) will move the arrow in that direction. For some reason you may not realize that New England and Green Bay are the only NFL franchises that have gotten to the playoffs 6 STRAIGHT SEASONS and it took 10 seasons for the Pat's to win a Super Bowl again.

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marpag1's picture

February 20, 2016 at 01:02 pm

LOL. Not much worried, but thanks for sharing the angst.

P.S. You forgot to mention that some of the Packers "fans" are pretty shoddy, too. Down arrow there, for sure.

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4thand1's picture

February 21, 2016 at 07:24 am

Pessimists crack me up. The sky is falling all the time. Then there's the trolls and attention seekers, they keep it from getting boring. Teams are going to go all in on defense after we've seen what Seattle and Denver have done. Copycat league.

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Ibleedgreenmore's picture

February 20, 2016 at 12:51 pm

Should we use an expensive Dyson to clean house with.

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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

February 20, 2016 at 05:15 pm

So, now we have 2 DL who might be subject to a 1-year suspension if they goof up again. I cannot imagine how the FO can fail but to take that into consideration when deciding whom to draft and to re-sign. Will it be enough to tip the scales towards perhaps taking a DL high, or perhaps double dipping there, or re-signing Raji? Too many factors.

The fact that drafts typically have years where there is a lot of talent at certain positions and a dearth of talent at others is one argument against draft and develop, in part because it is hard to forecast whether the strength of the draft will align with your team´s need. Need at positions arises sometimes through age and FA (which to some extent can be gauged) but also through injury, the failure of prospect to develop, and off the field issues, which are harder to predict. Moreover, the above is a macro view, so to speak, especially in the 1st round. But when a team is on the clock, a more micro view can be used by evaluating which players exactly are available to draft, but with a thought that perhaps a pretty good player along the front 7 will be available in rd. 2 because that is where the depth of the draft exists this year, so perhaps it is okay to take a Hunter Henry or an OT if available at #27.

For investing, I never buck the Federal Reserve. In drafting, I favor following the strength of the draft, for the most part (how is that for some wriggle room?).

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