Dolphins Suspend Collins

December 23, 1999 / 7:16 PM EST / CBS/AP

Cecil Collins, the Miami Dolphins running arrested Dec. 16 on burglary charges, was officially suspended without pay by the NFL team Thursday.

Coach Jimmy Johnson said the team has not paid Collins since his arrest. Collins allegedly climbed into a couple's bedroom window at his apartment complex.

The suspension will prevent Collins from receiving the remainder of his 1999 salary and any bonus money he might have collected if the Dolphins make the playoffs.

"Nothing's been determined as far as what actually happened," Johnson said of the charges. "We have determined that he definitely will not play for us this year. If he ever plays for us after that, that's to be determined later on."

Collins was released on bail for the burglary charges and arrested a day later after a Louisiana judge issued a warrant for a probation violation. He has been in jail since, and is awaiting extradition to Louisiana, where he faces up to 20 years in prison.

Collins was charged twice in the summer of 1998 with unauthorized entry at his apartment complex in Baton Rouge. Both cases involved female residents, including a 17-year-old who accused Collins of exposing himself and rubbing against her.

The NFL granted the Dolphins a roster exemption for Collins, giving them an open roster spot. Johnson said he will not do anything with the opening until next week.

Collins has been sidelined since breaking a leg Nov. 14 against Buffalo.