WESTMINSTER, Maryland (AFP) — Baltimore Ravens cornerback Fabian Washington has been suspended for the team's National Football League season-opening game for violating the league's personal conduct policy.
Friday's punishment stems from an incident in February, when Washington, 24, was arrested on a charge of domestic battery.
According to the police report, an argument with his girlfriend became physical, and officers noticed red marks on the neck of the player's 21-year-old live-in girlfriend.
"I put myself in a bad situation, and I did not handle it the right way," Washington said. "I was wrong and made a mistake. My girlfriend, my attorney and I wanted a quick resolution and knew that a suspension could happen."
The Ravens acquired Washington in a draft-day trade with the Oakland Raiders, who took him in the first round of the 2005 draft.
"We had knowledge of Fabian's situation prior to the trade we made for him," Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome said. "Fabian knows his actions were a mistake and has taken appropriate actions since then."
Washington is allowed to participate in all preseason games and practices.
His ban begins August 30 and he is eligible to return on September 8, the day after the Ravens open their season against the Cincinnati Bengals.
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