The NFL has suspended Browns running back Kareem Hunt eight games for violating the league’s personal conduct policy, reports ESPN’s Adam Schefter (via Twitter).
“I want to again apologize for my actions last year,” Hunt said in a statement (via USA Today’s Mike Jones on Twitter). “I know that my behavior hurt a lot of people, and I again apologize to them. I respect the league’s decision on discipline, and I appreciate the time I spent with Commissioner Goodell last week. I’m grateful for my time with the Browns over the last month and thankful to all the people in the organization that have welcome me. I also appreciate all of the support I received from my union through this process. My commitment to earning the trust of the league, my teammates, the organization, and this community through my actions will continue, and I understand there is a lot of work ahead of me before I’m able to fully return to playing the game I love.”
The eight-game suspension is about on-par with expectations, as Hunt was expected to receive at least a six-game ban. NFL Network’s James Palmer tweets that the running back did not appeal the ban. Now that the suspension has been assessed, the running back is allowed to attend Browns offseason activities (and, subsequently, training camp).
The 23-year-old is under investigation for three separate 2018 events — most notably the incident captured on video that showed him shoving and kicking a woman at a Cleveland hotel/apartment complex in February of last year. After that video surfaced, Hunt was placed on the NFL’s Commissioner Exempt, and the Chiefs soon waived the Pro Bowl running back.
After going unclaimed on waivers, Hunt was connected to multiple teams before landing with the Browns. The running back signed a one-year deal that included a base salary of $645K, a $25K per-game roster bonus for each game that he is active, and a $55K offseason workout bonus. Hunt will ultimately give up around $303K of that $645K base salary, and he’ll have a chance to earn around $200K in per-game bonuses upon his return (via ESPN’s Field Yates on Twitter). He would have earned $678K via his rookie contract in Kansas City.
The 2017 third-round pick broke onto the scene as a rookie, compiling 1,782 yards and 11 touchdowns on offense. He continued that production in 2018, as he collected 14 touchdowns through 11 games.
When the running back eventually returns from his suspension, he’ll be joining a talented Cleveland offense. While Hunt is out, the team can lean on 2018 second-rounder Nick Chubb and pass-catcher Duke Johnson Jr., while the passing game will revolve around quarterback Baker Mayfield and wideouts Odell Beckham Jr. and Jarvis Landry.
Called it
Great job Pat!!!
Pat you are the MAN!
Give yourself a “Self High Five!”
Pat Pat Pat Pat Pat Pat!
Ladies and gentlemen a round of applause for Pat! *happily motions Pat to stand*
Browns shouldn’t be worrying about it. Nick Chubb is a good running back.
But do they still want to trade Duke Johnson?
I’m so confused…I thought Trade Rumors was only intended for passing along news but no place to discuss polarizing topics like Domestic Violence. Referring to Larry Baer post commenting being turned off
No, it’s for whatever brings hits to the site so you get hourly updates on things like this and that jackass QB that sued the league for not having a contract….after he opted out of a contract and declined others…
but but but, Tim said that’s how its constructed. Still confused smh…
I may be overlooking it but is he suspended another 8 games or does any of the games he was on the exempt list count toward suspension?
I don’t think you’re overlooking it, I have the same question
Another 8 games for the 2019 season. Being on the exempt list does not count as accrued suspension weeks. He will be eligible to play in the Brown’s 9th game of the 2019 season.
Ray Rice says….?
Ray Rice should have given the same consideration as the NFL destroyed his career much earlier. Kareem Hunt should be out at least one year and take anger management treatment. Everyone deserves a second chance but the NFL did not give Ray Rice that second chance.
Ray Rice was at the end of his career. His legs were done.
Yes totally a senior citizen at the old age of 26…
Hunt hit a girl that instigated everything.
Not innocent, but doesnt deserve a year suspension and definitely doesnt need anger management classes
4 games would of sufficed.
I keep watching that footage and all I see is him pushing people and then he kicks a girl on the ground. Never saw a punch.
Cause everything that happened happened on camera. Clearly the night lasted 10 minutes. Nothing happened before things were shown on camera. Duh.
In general, splash videos have been edited for maximum effect. I do not trust them. But for one who believes a woman should never be hit, Hunt’s guilty enough.
Weak guys on the internet looking for any excuse to hit a woman. Football player kicks a woman on the ground but doesn’t even need angry management classes wow.
Coming from a super weak guy trolling this comment is hilarious.
Football player kicks woman- who according to reports verbally assaulted and physically hit hunt and others- while on the ground.
Yeah a guy who gets insulted and attacked by a girl and retaliated doesnt need anger management. Needs to not hangout with thots.
Isn’t being forced to play/live in Cleveland punishment enough?
Um, not anymore.
Not as much punishment as having to read stupid comments about Cleveland.
Funny to bang on Cleveland but the joke is old/lame and he’s from Cleveland.