Bills' Marshawn Lynch To Sit Out First Three Games of 2009 Following Suspension

When the Buffalo Bills started the 2008 season with 5-1 record, some analysts predicted them to be contenders for the AFC East title. Some analysts even predicted that they would be contenders for the Super Bowl last February before finishing their remaining 10 games with a 2-8 record. 

After acquiring wide reciever Terrell Owens through free agency, the Bills are once again making a name for themselves as contenders to be playing next February. Unfortunately, they will have to start the journey without one of their key players. 

Buffalo Bills running back Marshawn Lynch will have to watch the first three games from the sideline after violating the league's personal conduct policy.

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell has suspended Lynch after pleading guilty to a misdemeanor gun charge following an arrest Feb. 11 outside of Los Angeles. 

After a brief search, police found a 9mm semi-automatic handgun in the trunk of Lynch's car. Along with the handgun, they also found four marijuana cigarettes that had not been used. He was sentenced to three years probation and 80 hours of community service.

This is the second time Lynch has had legal issues within the last year. Back in June, he pleaded guilty to driving off from Buffalo's downtown bar district after hitting a female pedestrian with his car.

In March, the Bills signed Owens to a one-year deal worth $6.5 million. They may have to rely more on Owens and Lee Evans at the receiving core the first three games next season now that they have a hole to fill at the running back position without Lynch.

Last season, Lynch rushed for 1,036 yards and eight touchdowns in route to his first Pro Bowl appearance. 

Written by Dan Parzych, NFL analyst at NFL Football Maniaxs