Denver’s Von Miller suspended until week seven

The Denver Broncos, many experts early pick as favourites to win the Super Bowl this coming season will have to start the 2013 campaign without its best defensive player.

On Tuesday the NFL suspended Von Miller for the first six games of the upcoming season, due to violating its substance abuse policy.

“The substances of abuse policy requires everyone to comply with the rules,” Miller said. “Although my suspension doesn’t result from a positive test, there is no excuse for my violations of the rules. I made mistakes and my suspension has hurt my team, Broncos fans, and myself. I am especially sorry for the effect of my bad decisions on others.”

Miller will miss the season opener against the current champion Baltimore Ravens on September 5th, the trip to New York to face the Giants in week two, home games against Oakland and Philadelphia, then a road trip to Texas to face the Cowboys, followed by the visit to Denver by the Jacksonville Jaguars. He will be eligible to return for the week seven game on October 20th at the Indianapolis Colts.

“I will not make the same mistakes about adhering to the policy in the future,” Miller continued. “During my time off the field, I will work tirelessly and focus exclusively on remaining in peak shape. I look forward to contributing immediately upon my return to the field and bringing a championship back to the people of Denver.”

Denver’s defence has taken a few knocks this offseason, with injuries to Champ Bailey and Derek Wolfe, added to the loss of Elvis Dumervil to the Ravens. Von Miller’s enforced absence could be one which puts more onus on the Broncos offense to win game in the early part of the year.