Vikings' Simpson suspended 3 games for drug conviction

by Matt Sepic, Minnesota Public Radio

ST. PAUL, Minn. — The Vikings' new wide receiver Jerome Simpson is facing a three-game unpaid suspension and an NFL fine because of a drug conviction earlier this year. While Simpson played for the Cincinnati Bengals, authorities tracked a shipment of two-and-a-half pounds of marijuana to Simpson's home in suburban northern Kentucky. At the home, police found more marijuana and drug paraphernalia.

Simpson pleaded guilty to a felony drug charge, and in April he served 15 days in jail. Then, just before the NFL draft, he signed a one-year, $2 million deal with the Vikings.

However, because of the conviction, Simpson will sit out the first three regular season games. Simpson will be allowed to play in the Vikings-Lions game Sept. 30 in Detroit, but will forfeit his pay for that game.