Many Vikings fans were patiently waiting to see what was going to happen with the appeal of Jerome Simpson‘s 3 game suspension for his probation violation this offseason. For some reason, the result took longer to find out than expected, but a verdict was handed down this morning.
The findings: Jerome Simpson’s three game suspension will be upheld.
Here is a tweet from ESPN’s Adam Schefter announcing the suspension:
Vikings WR Jerome Simpson is being suspended 3 games, per a league source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 29, 2014
Aug 16, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jerome Simpson (81) catches a pass in the first quarter against the Arizona Cardinals at TCF Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
Simpson’s career has always seemed to stall a bit because of off the field antics. He was arrested for drunk driving in November while he was already on probation for an awkward marijuana related postal story. Because of incidents like this, Jerome Simpson has found himself signing a series of one year deals in an effort to prove that he can keep out of trouble and be a productive wide receiver. Sadly, those two things haven’t seemed to click for Simpson, who may be on his last try with a team.
For a player as athletic and charismatic as Jerome Simpson, it would be a shame for him to be forced out of the league for making mental mistakes off the field. Personally, I really like him and feel that he is a good wide receiver who can contribute well as a team’s number 3 or number 4 pass catcher. However, now we’ll have to wait until week 4 of the regular season to see him in action again.
This suspension actually has a big impact on the team’s final cuts. Now, they don’t have to choose between Adam Thielen and Rodney Smith as to who to take with to the final 53 man roster, they can bring both until Simpson returns to action for week 4 against the Falcons in Minnesota.