Browns linebacker Armonty Bryant suspended 4 games by NFL

CLEVELAND (AP) Browns linebacker Armonty Bryant has been suspended by the NFL for the first four games of the 2016 season for violating the league's policy on

CLEVELAND (AP) Browns linebacker Armonty Bryant has been suspended by the NFL for the first four games of the 2016 season for violating the league's policy on performance enhancing substances.

Bryant will not be paid during his ban, but he will be eligible to participate in all offseason and preseason practices and games.

The 25-year-old recently pleaded not guilty to felony drug possession charges.

Bryant and former teammate De'Ante Saunders were arrested on Christmas Day following a traffic stop. Police say they found marijuana, prescription drugs and a loaded handgun in Saunders' car. The Browns released Saunders from their practice squad.

Bryant was suspended by former general manager Ray Farmer for Cleveland's final two games last season.

The Browns selected Bryant in the seventh round of the 2013 draft despite a checkered background. He was twice arrested in college for selling marijuana to an undercover officer.

---

AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org and AP NFL Twitter feed: http://twitter.com/AP-NFL