TAMPA, Florida (Reuters) - Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety Tanard Jackson was suspended for at least one year for violating the National Football League's substance abuse policy, the team said on Wednesday.
Jackson, who also missed the first four games last season for violating the substance abuse policy, will not be eligible for reinstatement until September 22, 2011, according to the Buccaneers.
"Tanard is a talented young man whom we hope is able to use this year to put his troubles behind him and ultimately return a stronger man and player," Buccaneers General Manager Mark Dominik said in a statement.
"It's up to Tanard whether the team and our fans eventually realize his considerable promise."
The 25-year-old Jackson, a fourth-round draft pick in 2007, had four tackles in each of his team's first two games this season as the Buccaneers got off to a 2-0 start.
(Writing by Frank Pingue in Toronto, Editing by Greg Stutchbury)
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