STATEMENT BY AN NFL SPOKESPERSON:

Defensive tackle DARRELL RUSSELL of the Oakland Raiders was notified today that he is suspended for one calendar year for violating the NFL Substance Abuse Policy.

Russell’s suspension begins immediately. Under the terms of the policy, he is eligible to be reinstated by the Commissioner no sooner than January 2, 2003.

Russell had been suspended for the first four regular-season games of the 2001 season for NFL Substance Abuse Policy violations.