The three-game suspension of Bills running back Marshawn Lynch is a solid sign commissioner Roger Goodell is going to be extremely strong in dealing with gun-related incidents. Imagine how bad the suspension would have been had Lynch handled his player-conduct issues as poorly as Adam (Pacman) Jones? Lynch handled his hearing with Goodell professionally. He showed proper remorse and didn't mince words when discussing his off-the-field mistakes. He came back the next day and met with the Buffalo media, admitting his mistakes and being properly apologetic. Initially, most people thought Lynch would get a two-game suspension because of the proper way he handled himself. In retrospect, a three-game suspension is understandable. Players who violate laws involving guns have to pay a big price. Lynch did, but it could have been worse.
Foster on Bills' radar?
Now that Lynch is out for three games, the Bills might have to revisit the idea of signing 49ers running back
DeShaun Foster. The Bills looked at him last month but didn't sign him. Fred Jackson is good enough to be the starter for the first three games, but the team needs a dependable backup to get them through September. The other option might be finding a back in the first three rounds of the draft.
Omen for Burress? Lynch's three-game suspension for a gun violation problem is not good news for wide receiver
Plaxico Burress. You would have to figure Goodell would suspend him for more than three games considering Burress had possession of a gun in a city (New York) with such strict firearms laws. Worse, the gun went off and a bullet went into Burress' leg. Burress might come back and say he already served a four-game suspension last season, but that argument might not hold up because he certainly couldn't play because of the wound. Of course, Goodell can't make a ruling until Burress accepts some type of a plea agreement.
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John Clayton
