As NFL teams approached the midway point of training camp, off-field troubles took precedent over on-field achievements.
Cleveland's Larry Webster and Arizona's Jamir Miller were suspended Thursday for violating the league's substance abuse policy.Atlanta suspended cornerback Anthony Phillips for one game following his arrest on a drunken driving charge.
And several New Orleans Saints were under investigation after a woman claimed a player raped her in a dormitory room while three teammates blocked the door.
Webster has been suspended for six regular-season games. A free agent signed from Miami in May, said, "It's something that happened. I'd like to put it past me and go from here."
The suspension does not take effect until the regular season. Webster would be eligible to return to the Browns on Oct. 22 against Jacksonville,
"We're a member of the NFL, and we will support the rules of the collective bargaining agreement," Browns coach Bill Belichick said in a statement. "This action does not come as a surprise to us. We'll continue to support and work with Larry."
Miller will miss the first four games of the regular season. Miller, the No. 10 choice in the 1994 draft after leaving UCLA as a junior, was demoted to third string when the Cardinals opened camp July 25.
A four-game suspension means a player has tested positive twice or has had one positive test after reneging on a mandatory treatment program. It also puts Miller at Stage 3 of a three-stage program, meaning a one-year suspension for the next violation.
"I hope it's an awakening deal for him. At least they show they have some teeth in their policy," coach Buddy Ryan said.
Atlanta's Phillips, 24, was arrested Wednesday night after his car struck another car on Interstate 85 near Norcross, Ga, a few miles from the Falcons' training complex in Suwanee.
Phillips' 1995 Mercedes swerved across several lanes of traffic before hitting the car, which then struck a third car, said police spokesman Lt. Duane Kissel.