Dion Jordan suspended for 2015 season for substance abuse violation

Miami Dolphins pass rusher Dion Jordan has been suspended for the 2015 NFL season for a violation of the league's substance abuse policy. The suspension was first reported by ESPN's Adam Schefter and later confirmed on the Dolphins' Twitter page. The NFL reportedly determined that one of Jordan's test samples was diluted, which counts as his third strike in violation of the policy.

According to NFL.com's Ian Rapoport, Jordan will not appeal the suspension.

Both of Jordan's first two strikes occurred in 2014. He was initially suspended for the first four games of the season, but the sentence was reduced to two games after the league revamped its substance abuse policy. He was handed an additional four games in September for another violation, however.

Jordan released a statement through the NFLPA the day after his suspension, apologizing to the Dolphins and the fans and promising that he would return to the league after next season:

"I'm very disappointed that I will not be playing in the NFL in the 2015 season. Because of past positive tests and my status in the drug program, the consequence of dilute (not positive) tests is severe. I deeply regret putting myself in this position, and I apologize to my teammates and the Dolphins organization. I will use the time away from playing to finish my college degree. I will stay in excellent physical shape and look forward to returning to the NFL as soon as possible. I’m deeply grateful to my family and friends for their continued support."

Details of the violations have not been disclosed.

Jordan has had a rocky stint in the NFL since the Dolphins traded up to select him No. 3 overall during the 2013 NFL Draft. In 26 appearances, he has just three sacks and 39 total tackles. He was considered a rangy, if raw, outside rusher coming out of Oregon. Jordan was named a first-team All-Pac-12 and All-America before leaving after his junior season of eligibility.

Prior to the suspension, Jordan was a suspicious absence from voluntary workouts with the Dolphins. General manager Dennis Hickey balked on answering a question about the the pass rusher's absence, and stoked curiosity in the process, via the Phinsider:

That, of course, then led to whether or not Jordan has the proper love for the game, or if there is concern about how invested he is to the game. After a moment of silence, Hickey finally answered, "This is a pre-draft (press conference). We'll talk about the draft on that."

Suddenly, Jordan not being at the workouts is no longer something that was noticed, but a story. Why the hesitation in the answer? Why the blatant punting of the question? There was blood in the water, and sharks beginning to circle now.

Jordan was also the subject of trade rumors that linked him with the Philadelphia Eagles and Chip Kelly, his former head coach at Oregon. Schefter reported that a deal was nearing completion. Any negotiations have likely been squashed in light of the suspension.