LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - San Diego Chargers Pro Bowl receiver Vincent Jackson has been suspended for three games for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy, the team said.

The five-year NFL veteran will miss the first three games of the 2010 season, the Chargers said on their website (www.chargers.com). He will be eligible for preseason practices and games.

Jackson twice has been convicted of driving under the influence, in 2006 and 2009, local media reported.

"Obviously we're disappointed," Chargers general manager A.J. Smith said in a statement. "Vincent made a mistake and now must deal with the consequences."

Jackson, a restricted free agent, has threatened to sit out the first 10 games of the season while seeking a contract extension with the Chargers.

(Writing by Gene Cherry in Raleigh, North Carolina; Editing by Steve Ginsburg)