PHOENIX -- The NFL has suspended Arizona Cardinals standout inside linebacker Daryl Washington for one year for violating the leagues substance abuse policy. The punishment, announced Friday, was for substance abuse and did not mention his recent guilty plea to assaulting his ex-girlfriend. He still could face a later suspension for the criminal conviction. Washington, in a statement released by his agent, said the penalty was for marijuana, and that he takes responsibility for the violation. He said he "is committed to making changes" in his life that will allow him to return to the NFL. Considered among the best in the NFL at his position, Washington was suspended the first four games of last season for violating the substance abuse policy. "It is completely unacceptable that Daryl has once again put us in this position," Cardinals general manager Steve Keim said in a statement released by the team. "We all know what the consequences are and will deal with them." Washington, the team leader in tackles in 2011 and 2012, will lose $2.9 million in salary, plus any prorated signing bonus money, due to the suspension. In March, Arizona exercised a $10 million option to keep him on the roster. Washington received $5 million then and the deals calls for him to get the other $5 million next March. However, the leagues collective bargaining agreement with players has a mechanism that allows the Cardinals to recoup a portion of that option money because of the substance abuse violation. Washington said the NFL "policy is very strict, and I have chosen to take responsibility." "I will work extremely hard to stay in top football shape," he said, "and will work equally hard to ensure that my life off the field meets the high level of maturity and responsibility to which I am committed." With the loss of inside linebacker Karlos Dansby to free agency, the Cardinals find themselves without the dynamic combination that was a big part of their strong defence last season. Second-year player Kevin Minter is slotted to take Dansbys place. Just what the team will do to try to replace Washington is unclear. "Our approach is the same as its always been: next man up," Keim said. "We talk a lot about how critical depth is to a team because situations always arise whether by injury or other circumstances such as this one." After leading the team with 111 tackles in his second NFL season, Washington signed a six-year contract, adding four years and $32 million to his existing deal. In 2012, he led the team with career highs of 140 tackles and nine sacks and made the Pro Bowl. But in April of last year, the NFL suspended him four games for violating the substance abuse policy. A month later, he was arrested on accusations of assaulting his ex-girlfriend, the mother of the couples child. He pleaded guilty to two counts of assault earlier this year. A suspension for the criminal conviction had been expected. The penalty for substance abuse came as a surprise to some, but apparently not to Washingtons teammates. "Old news to us, new news to yall," defensive tackle Darnell Dockett said in a tweet. Keim said "our hope is that this suspension will give Daryl the opportunity to accept the necessary help and guidance to get his life back on track," Keim said, "and we will certainly support him however we can." When OTAs resumed this week, coach Bruce Arians said he hoped the team could pick up another outside linebacker. The Cardinals signed veteran Larry Foote in the off-season, and outside linebacker Lorenzo Washington also can play inside. Minter, a second-round draft pick, played almost entirely on special teams as a rookie. Another player Arizona has at inside linebacker is Kenny Demens, an undrafted rookie free agent a year ago who spent last season on the Cardinals practice squad. "I sincerely apologize for the effect of my actions on my teammates, coaches and other colleagues at the Cardinals," Washington said. "I also apologize to Cardinals fans for the time I will miss. I will work diligently during this suspension to return as a better man and football player." Fake Jerseys For Sale . Mark Van Guilder, Austin Watson and Colton Sissons also scored for the Admirals (22-13-10), who are 2-0-2 in their last four outings, while Roussel tacked on an assist for a two-point night. Greg Pateryn scored once for the Bulldogs (20-22-4), who lost their fifth straight contest, and also assisted on Gabriel Dumonts goal. Fake Jerseys From China . It took five games, but the Celtics finally helped Stevens earn his first NBA victory. 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The former University of Georgia star had his only service break of the match to go up 6-5 before firing the last four of his 30 aces to close out Ginepri, an Atlanta resident ranked 281st.ANAHEIM – It will be their longest and most arduous road trip of the season. Five games in 10 days for the Toronto Maple Leafs with stops in some of the NHLs most unforgiving terrain. Theres the impending swing through the treacherous California triangle followed by clashes with playoff chasers in Washington and Detroit. Just a hair up on the Lightning for third spot in the Atlantic division, points will be harder to come by in the days ahead for a Toronto squad thats lost just three times in regulation in the past 19 games. “Its a good measuring stick for us,” said Joffrey Lupul, securing his teams 13th win since Jan. 12 with the overtime winner against Philadelphia over the weekend. Two times a Duck himself, Lupul and the Leafs will start their grueling sprint through the California triangle with a Monday date in Anaheim. Almost unbeatable at home – they went 22 games before losing their first game in regulation at the Honda Center – only the Blues have been better this season than the league-best Ducks, who square off with Randy Carlyle, their former bench boss, for the first time since his dismissal in Dec. 2011. From SoCal to NorCal, the Leafs get right back at it a day later in San Jose. Just a smidge behind the Ducks, Blackhawks and Blues for tops in the West, the Sharks – like the Ducks – are dominant at home. Theyve lost just four times in regulation at the SAP Center and are amongst the top defensive teams in the league this season. Following that hearty challenge the Leafs will conclude their stay in Cali opposite a stingy Kings team thats won seven straight and gives up fewer goals than any other team. Itll be the first visit to Staples Center for Jonathan Bernier since he was dealt to Toronto last summer. The Leafs have already faced each of these clubs onnce this season, managing a single victory over the Ducks at the ACC in late October.dddddddddddd They lost to both the Sharks and Kings at home in December, currently 12-8-2 opposite Western opponents this year. It was in December that they endured a similar three-game test; one that saw them dealt the Kings, Blues and Blackhawks in a four-day stretch. Beaten by L.A. and St. Louis on a hellacious back-to-back, the Leafs managed to stun the defending champions at home on a Saturday night. Theyll need to raise their game to a similar level to survive Californias best. “Weve got to understand that theres a certain style of game that we have to play when we get out on the road,” said Carlyle. “We have to skate. Were a skating hockey club.” Winners in 11 of 14 before the Olympic break, Toronto has been a different team in the days after. Theyve lacked the same zip and have fumbled away third period leads in four of the five games – twice against the Flyers – splitting the difference with a pair of wins and pair of losses in overtime. Whether they get lost or not in the California triangle, the Leafs will continue their season-long road swing with a Sunday stop in D.C. against Alex Ovechkin before ending the trip once and for all at Joe Louis Arena on Tuesday. The Capitals and Wings sit just outside of a playoff spot currently, chasing the likes of Toronto for entry. Though in good standing at the moment for their second straight postseason berth with 17 games to play the Leafs have an opportunity to assert their worth against some of the leagues elite while pushing Montreal for second spot in the division. “Five big games coming up here,” said Troy Bodie. “We need some points out there. Theres not many left to be had.” ' ' '