Jolly banned for season

Jolly: Season-long ban

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Green Bay Packers defensive end Johnny Jolly has been suspended for the entire upcoming season for violating the league's substance-abuse policy.

Jolly was originally arrested in 2008 for being caught in possession of 200 grams of codeine, but after changes in testing procedures he was charged again in December 2009.

Now facing the possibility of up to 20 years in prison after his arrest in Houston, Jolly has also been suspended without pay for the upcoming season by the NFL.

The 27-year-old was a sixth round pick in the 2006 draft and has been a regular starter for the last two seasons.

"Johnny is a good player that loves everything about the game of football," Packers general manager Ted Thompson said in a statement.

Focus

"We appreciate the contributions he has made to the Packers the past four seasons. His focus and priorities now lie elsewhere - our thoughts are with him during this difficult personal time."

The Packers expected a possible ban and his lengthy trial as they drafted Purdue defensive lineman Mike Neal in April as a replacement.

Jolly was a key man in the Packers defence though, and he played his part as they led the league in rushing yards allowed per game at just 83.3.

Packers coach Mike McCarthy hopes the news will not disrupt his team, who are expected to challenge Minnesota hard in the NFC North this season ahead of an anticipated play-off run.

"There's a lot going on, and he needs to focus and make sure he has everything in line," McCarthy said last month. "These decisions that are going to be made legally will affect every aspect of his life, most importantly his personal life and then his professional life."

Jolly has been placed on a stricter curfew whilst out on bond after flyers publicising him hosting a nightclub event were spotted by the district judge, and he has now been banned from attending clubs and bars.