New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara is suspended for the first three games of the season for violating the league’s personal conduct policy in a 2022 incident in Las Vegas. The Saints open the season at home against the Titans and then travel to Carolina and Green Bay. Colts cornerback Chris Lammons is suspended for three games for his role in the same incident.
Why Is Alvin Kamara Suspended?
Kamara was arrested and charged with battery resulting in substantial bodily harm. Kamara, along with three other men, punched and kicked the victim, Darnell Greene, after a dispute at an elevator in the Cromwell Las Vegas Hotel & Casino.
Surveillance video confirmed Greene’s account of the incident. Greene suffered an orbital fracture in his right eye. Kamara was in Las Vegas for the Pro Bowl.
Kamara agreed to plead no contest to a lesser misdemeanor charge of breach of peace in July. The plea helped avoid a potential felony battery charge that could have carried up to five years in prison.
As part of the plea deal, Kamara was ordered to pay around $150,000 to cover Greene’s medical bills, along with 30 hours of community service and a $500 fine.
Who Will Play in Kamara’s Absence?
The Saints signed former Lions running back Jamaal Williams and drafted TCU’s Kendre Miller in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft. Williams signed a three-year, $12 million deal with the Saints after leading the NFL with 17 rushing touchdowns as a member of the Detroit Lions. Williams, who started his career with the Packers, scored 13 touchdowns in his first six seasons.
Miller, who was the fourth running back drafted, has battled knee issues over the last year. He injured his right knee in the Fiesta Bowl and in the first preseason game, but he was able to rush 10 times, score a touchdown, and catch three passes in the second preseason game.
Check out Pro Football Network’s fantasy running back rankings to see where Kamara, Williams, and Miller rank heading into the season.
What Is Kamara’s Contract Status?
Kamara signed a five-year, $75 million deal in September 2020. Earlier this year, he restructured his deal to free up salary cap space and modify his 2023 salary to convert most of his pay into a signing bonus. This change reduced the amount of money Kamara lost during his suspension.
MORE: Highest-Paid RBs Entering the 2023 NFL Season
The Saints can release Kamara before the 2024 season with a dead cap hit of almost $17 million. He is slated to receive $10.2 million in 2024 and $22.4 million in 2025.