Jerrell Freeman Suspended for PED Policy Violation: Latest Details and Reaction

The Chicago Bears announced Monday that the NFL has suspended linebacker Jerrell Freeman for four games without pay for a violation of the league's policy on performance-enhancing drugs. 

Freeman provided a statement on Twitter:

According to the Chicago Tribune's Brad Biggs, Freeman lose $235,294 as part of his punishment.

Freeman is the Bears' leading tackler, and his 91 combined tackles are tied for fifth-most in the NFL. His absence over the upcoming four games will continue what has been a season to forget for the Bears.

A thumb injury has limited Jay Cutler to five games. Danny Trevathan—one of two marquee free-agent acquisitions, along with Freeman—missed two games in September after undergoing thumb surgery. On Nov. 14, the league suspended Alshon Jeffery for four games following a performance-enhancing drug violation.

"Much like Alshon, very disappointed," head coach John Fox said, per Rich Campbell of the Chicago Tribune. "Much like Alshon, we move on."

Chris Emma of 670 The Score noted Freeman is the fifth Bear to be suspended for a PED violation since Fox became head coach. However, Fox said there aren't larger problems for Chicago regarding PED usage, per Campbell: "People understand the rules but they get broken."

Biggs tried to put a positive spin on Freeman's suspension:

In his final three seasons at West Virginia, Nick Kwiatkoski had 267 tackles, including 28.5 tackles for loss. The Bears selected him with the 113th overall pick in the 2016 draft, and over the next month, Kwiatkoski has the chance to show his impressive college production can translate to success in the NFL.

It's doubtful Kwiatkoski will supplant Freeman in the first team when the veteran is eligible to return for the final two games of the regular season. The rookie linebacker can, however, show he's deserving of a bigger role in Chicago's defense going forward.