Report: Chiefs' Bashaud Breeland Facing 4-Game Suspension for Substance Abuse

Paul Sancya/Associated Press

Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Bashaud Breeland has been suspended for the first four games of the 2020 NFL season, the defensive back confirmed on Instagram on Wednesday:

"As previously announced by the League, I have received a 4 game suspension for off-the-field matters.

"I post this today because I want to apologize, publicly, to the entire Chiefs organization, my coaches, teammates, family and fans. I accept full responsibility for my actions, and I look forward to getting back on the field with my teammates to defend our Super Bowl Title.

"Thank you to everyone for your continued support, and Let's Go Chiefs! #chiefs #chiefskingdom #17familia #swilyfe #new17 #bounceback"

Per ESPN's Adam Schefter, Breeland was facing a four-game ban for violating the league's substance abuse policy. 

NFL Network's James Palmer noted the Chiefs "knew this was coming" for some time and have been expecting Breeland will be suspended. 

In April, NFL Network's Tom Pelissero and Mike Garafolo reported in the aftermath of Breeland's arrest in South Carolina that he was "already facing" a four-game suspension from the NFL for a substance abuse violation. 

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The Chiefs re-signed Breeland to a one-year deal this offseason. He joined the team as a free agent in March 2019 and started 15 of 16 games during the regular season. The 28-year-old had a team-high seven combined tackles and recorded one interception in Kansas City's 31-20 win over the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl LIV. 

Breeland will be eligible to return in Week 5 on Oct. 11 against the Las Vegas Raiders.