The NFL has handed down a suspension to Cleveland Browns running back Kareem Hunt. Eight games for attacking a woman in a Cleveland hotel in February 2018. There is also an incident last June at an Ohio resort. The incidents are violations of the NFL’s personal conduct policy.
NFL is suspending Browns’ RB Kareem Hunt for eight games for violating its personal conduct policy, league source tells ESPN.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 15, 2019
The NFL placed Hunt on the Commissioners Exempt list November 30, just days after a video of the hotel incident was released by TMZ. The Kansas City Chiefs released their number one running back that very day.
Browns general manager John Dorsey gambled and signed Hunt to a 1-year deal in January despite the looming suspension. Dorsey drafted Hunt out of the University of Toledo in 2017.
Hunt released a statement in the suspension via the team Friday morning.
NFL announces suspension for RB Kareem Hunt
📰 » https://t.co/14MQX6a0GL
Statement from Hunt: pic.twitter.com/AAzopWOMkc
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) March 15, 2019
“I want to again apologize for my actions last year. I know that my behavior hurt a lot of people. And I again apologize to them. I respect the league’s decision on discipline. I appreciate the time I spent with Commissioner Goodell last week.”
“I’m grateful for my time with the Browns over the last month and thankful to all the people in the organization that have welcomed me. I also appreciate all of the support I received from my union through this process. My commitment to earning the trust of the league, my teammates, the organization and this community through my actions will continue, and I understand there is a lot of hard work ahead of me before I’m able to fully return to playing the game I love.”
Unless the Browns have a bye week in the first half of the 2019 season, the earliest Hunt can return is week nine, October 31 thru November 4.
He will be able to participate in off season workouts, training camp and preseason. The suspension goes into effect on August 31, the deadline for teams to be at the required 53 man roster.
Scott Piker is the Cleveland Browns, Cleveland Cavaliers and Cleveland Indians Managing Editor for Full Press Coverage.com. So follow him on twitter @ScottPikerSport
