NFL Rescinds Rucker's Suspension

The NFL overturned a one-game suspension of Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Frostee Rucker, according to Rucker's attorney.

Rucker had appealed his one-game suspension for a violation of the NFL's personal conduct policy. The penalty had been imposed after Rucker pleaded no contest in April to charges stemming from a domestic violence incident in 2005, when he still was in college. Misdemeanor charges were filed in 2006, two months after Rucker was drafted by the Bengals.

Peter Schaffer, who argued Rucker's appeal to NFL special counsel Jay Moyer, said the suspension was rescinded but declined to say whether Rucker was fined. A league spokesman declined to comment.

Schaffer said he argued at an appeal hearing a week and a half ago that the NFL's conduct policy did not apply to an action that took place before a player enters the league. He also argued, he said, that the penalty was too harsh and Rucker has been an "exemplary citizen" since entering the league. Bengals Coach Marvin Lewis testified on Rucker's behalf at the appeal hearing, Schaffer said.

"We presented a comprehensive case with many different factors, and at the end of the day the hearing officer agreed with us and rescinded the suspension," said Schaffer, who's also an NFL agent.

Rucker, however, is not expected to play in Monday night's season opener against the Baltimore Ravens because of a hamstring injury.

By Mark Maske |  September 7, 2007; 6:47 PM ET  | Category:  Bengals , League
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