Morris Will Sit For 4 Games Ravens’ Star Running Back Benched For Substance Abuse
Bam Morris of the Baltimore Ravens will miss the first four games of the season because of substance abuse, leaving the team without its star running back.
“It’s up to Bam whether he’ll be back or not,” coach Ted Marchibroda said Wednesday. “I just sort of feel that Bam let his teammates down.”
This was the second time Morris violated the league’s substance abuse policy. Last year, he was suspended for four games after pleading guilty to marijuana possession.
Morris reportedly told teammates he failed a drug test several months ago. He learned earlier this week his appeal had been denied.
The NFL said he must sit out until Sept. 22, the day after the Ravens’ play at Tennessee. He will be eligible to return for the Sept. 28 game at San Diego. He may still practice and play in exhibition games, but Marchibroda does not expect to use him Friday against the New York Jets.
“We have concern for Bam’s health and future,” Ravens owner Art Modell said. “… We stand ready to have Bam return to the team providing he continues to adhere to his rehabilitation process and he maintains a strict conditioning program.”
The 24-year-old running back tested positive for alcohol during a urine screen in January, an infraction that carries a mandatory four-game suspension since it was his second violation.
Morris, a fourth-year back out of Texas Tech, has been in the NFL’s substance abuse program since a drug-related suspension before last season. A third violation would result in a minimum one-year suspension.
Morris was arrested in his native Texas in the summer of 1996 when police found 6 pounds of marijuana in the trunk of his car. On June 27, 1996, he pleaded guilty to possession of marijuana in an agreement that dropped a charge of cocaine possession.
He was fined $7,000 and sentenced to 200 hours of community service and six years’ probation.
The Pittsburgh Steelers waived Morris after his first conviction. The Ravens signed him as a free agent on Sept. 22, but Morris was forced to sit out until Oct. 8.
Shortly after being activated, he took over the starting running back job from Earnest Byner and gained a team-leading 737 yards with four touchdowns over the final seven games.
Morris will be replaced during the suspension by Byner, who Marchibroda said will start Friday, and rookie Jay Graham.
“He’s the pro’s pro, really,” Marchibroda said of Byner, a 14-year vet. “We’re very happy with Earnest in there. He’ll do the job.”
Graham impressed the coaching staff with his 14-carry, 58-yard performance in Saturday’s loss to the New York Giants.