NFL suspends Chiefs LB Tamba Hali 1 game

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The NFL has suspended Pro Bowl linebacker Tamba Hali of the Kansas City Chiefs for the season-opener against Atlanta for violating its policy on substance abuse.

The league announced the suspension in a brief statement Monday without disclosing details.

Hali will miss the Sept. 9 game against the Falcons and be fined an additional game check. He will be eligible to return the following day and he is still allowed to participate in preseason practices and games. The Chiefs play the Seattle Seahawks on Friday night.

"Tamba's situation is unfortunate," Chiefs general manager Scott Pioli said. "Obviously we are disappointed and will miss him during the suspension, but the NFL's policies are very clear and we respect the league's decision in this matter."

Pioli said he could not provide any additional comments.

Hali long ago established himself as the Chiefs' best pass rusher, reaching his first Pro Bowl last season alongside fellow linebacker Derrick Johnson.

The former first-round draft pick has started every game he's played over the past six seasons. The past two years have been his best _ he had 14 1/2 sacks two years ago and 12 last season, when he helped a team ravaged by injuries to the doorstep of the playoffs.

The Chiefs were eliminated from contention in their penultimate game.