Bills defensive tackle Marcell Dareus has left the team and intends to enter a rehab facility.
“After careful consideration of recent events within my life, I have made the decision to enter a rehabilitation facility,” Dareus said in a statement released by the team. “I feel this is the best decision for me, my family and my teammates as I move forward with my career. I appreciate the support of my teammates and the Bills organization through this process.”
Earlier this week the NFL announced a four-game suspension for Dareus for violating the league’s substance abuse policy. He served a one-game suspension to start the 2015 season related to a 2014 arrest for possession of a controlled substance.
Dareus was at the stadium with his teammates before Saturday’s Bills-Giants preseason game but left before the game began. The team released the statement from Dareus and a brief statement of its own not long after.
“We are fully supportive of Marcell and this decision to take the time he needs to seek treatment,” the team’s statement said.
Dareus, 26, is a two-time Pro Bowler entering his sixth season with the Bills.
