NFL Suspends Bengals' Mack

June 7, 1999 / 8:36 PM EDT / CBS/AP

Kick returner-defensive back Tremain Mack, who has had a series of alcohol-abuse arrests, will miss the Cincinnati Bengals' first four games of the season under a suspension announced by the league Friday.

Mack, the Bengals' top kick returner, will not be paid for those games as a penalty for violating the league's substance abuse policy.

Commissioner Paul Tagliabue also decided that the last four games Mack missed last season, while in jail for drunken driving, will count as a suspension, which will cost him about $62,000.

In addition, the commissioner said Mack is responsible for paying a four-week fine based on his 1998 salary for a previous violation of the policy.

Tagliabue met with Mack last month and the commissioner said he found him to be serious and thoughtful.

"I think Tremain acquitted himself well when he came in," Tagliabue said after the meeting.

The NFL declined further comment Friday.

Bengals spokesman Jack Brennan said the team has known since the start of training camp that Mack faced possible discipline.

"He has to face the consequences of his actions, but he has demonstrated a commitment to learn from his mistakes by undergoing counseling and we'll welcome him back for a fresh start after the suspension is completed," said Brennan.

Mack, a fourth-round pick in 1997 from Miami, set Bengals season records last year for kickoff return yardage and average per return.

In his first two years with the Bengals, Mack had the two DUI arrests in Ohio along with other alcohol-related arrests in Texas and Florida.