Sports
Patriot Avoids Suspension, Four-Game Ban Lifted
Alan Branch was set to sit four games for violating a drug policy.
FOXBOROUGH, MA — A big member of the Patriots starting defense will play on.
Patriots defensive tackle Alan Branch, who reportedly tested positive for marijuana test during a drug test and was suspended four games, has now had his four-game ban reversed. He will not be suspended.
Jeff Howe of the Boston Herald reports that the positive test was cause by traces of marijuana from a previous failed test.
Find out what's happening in Foxboroughfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The test that triggered Branch's suspension contained traces of pot from a previously failed test. There was nothing new in Branch's system.
— Jeff Howe (@jeffphowe) December 3, 2016
So that's why Branch appealed. Once the league ran through the facts this week, it rescinded Branch's suspension before the appeal hearing.
— Jeff Howe (@jeffphowe) December 3, 2016
According to the NFL drug policy, four failed marijuana tests would be needed for the suspension. The first failed test requires entry into a drug rehab program, the second offense is a two-week fine and a third offense is a four-week fine.
NFL’s marijuana policy: 1st failed test: Entry into program 2nd: 2-wk fine 3rd: 4-wk fine 4th: 4-gm susp 5th: 10-gm susp 6th: 1-year ban
— Ben Volin (@BenVolin) November 21, 2016
- Read more: Recreational Marijuana Passed in Massachusetts
- What You Should Know Massachusetts Marijuana Legalization
Find out what's happening in Foxboroughfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Branch paid a two-game fine for an OUI arrest in 2014, according to Ben Volin of the Boston Globe.
It's a big win for the Patriots when everything else seems to be trending the other direction. The defense looks to be falling apart and Rob Gronkowski isn't expected back this season.
Branch was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in 2007 and also played for the Seattle Seahawks and Buffalo Bills before coming to the Patriots in 2014.
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