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Yesterday afternoon, we learned that 49ers defensive lineman Demarcus Dobbs was going to be suspended for one game due to a violation of the NFL's substance abuse policy. Following yesterday's practice, Dobbs met with the media and said that the suspension was due to his November arrest, and not any subsequent violation.
Unlike PED usage where we hear from a player or his agent that it was actually Adderall, or that it was a mistaken use or whatever, I'd like to think we can take Dobbs at his word that this was related directly to that accident, and not a subsequent failed drug test of some sort.
Eric Branch wrote about how he's come across as very serious in his discussions of the incident. Additionally, it sounds like he was fairly forthright in his comments about the suspension:
"The league decided to take action on it and they felt this punishment was fit and I agree with it," he said. "I've got to deal with my consequences - can't complain about it or do much about it now. I learned a lot from that situation and I have no intention of repeating it."
"I just got to go out there and show my teammates why I deserve to be here," he said. "And show the people upstairs that kept me why I deserve to be here."
Defensive line coach JIm Tomsula also had some comments about Dobbs' suspension:
"The guy made a mistake, so once you make a mistake you stand up, you own it, and that's what he's done," 49ers defensive line coach Jim Tomsula said. "I'm not by any means saying what happened was right, but the way he's handled it since he made a mistake has been straight up. I feel really good about that."
Hopefully this is in fact the last we hear of problems for Demarcus Dobbs. And given that this seems to be related to that previous incident, I don't think he is suddenly a likely roster cut. He remains an extremely talented defensive end, and a guy who can help create a stable rotation behind Justin Smith and Ray McDonald.
As far as his roster spot is concerned, he will count against the 53-man roster when the team cuts down at the end of the preseason. After that, the team has to get an exemption if they do not want him to count against the 53-man roster for Week 1. If they do not get an exemption, he would count against the 53-man roster for that first game, and simply be an inactive player. There is no word yet on if the 49ers have sought, or will seek a roster exemption.