The NFL has announced they will be suspending New Orleans Saints RB Alvin Kamara three games for his role in a 2022 incident in Las Vegas prior to the Pro Bowl.
The suspension comes on the heels of Kamara’s sit down with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell on Wednesday. On July 11th, the 28 year old pleaded down to a breach of peace charge after initially being charged with conspiracy to commit battery and substantial bodily harm.
Kamara’s plea deal avoided a felony charge which carried up to a five year sentence. Instead, he will now pay $100,000 in restitution to the victim and must perform 30 hours of community service.
“I was completely wrong,” Kamara told reporters after the deal. “I embarrassed the Saints, I embarrassed my family and my mother. I embarrassed myself, embarrassed the city, and the shield, obviously, embarrassed the NFL.”
The 5x Pro Bowler is set to enter his 7th NFL campaign in 2023, all of which have been spent with the Saints. Currently sitting at 5,135 career rushing yards, and 3,753 yards through the air, Kamara is 3rd all time in franchise rushing and 11th all time in receiving history.
However, given both his declining production, and his unclear suspension status this offseason, the Saints front office drafted RB Kendre Miller 71st overall out of TCU in the 2023 NFL Draft. The versatile back starred for the Horned Frogs in 2022, amassing 1,399 yards on the ground and 17 TDs. His strong play in the backfield was a big reason why TCU reached the CFP National Championship game this January.
In addition to Kamara, Indianapolis Colts cornerback Chris Lammons was also suspended 3 games for his role in the incident. Both will be eligible to practice and participate in preseason games, however they will sit out the regular season until the conclusion of Week 3.
Kamara will miss New Orleans’ games against the Titans, Panthers, and Packers to begin the 2023 campaign. His NFL return will come at home on October 1st against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
-Kyle Skinner
Twitter: @JKyleSkinner
Photo: All-Pro Reels. This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 Generic license.