Bills DT Dareus to enter substance abuse program

PITTSFORD, N.Y. — Bills defensive tackle Marcell Dareus agreed to enter an NFL substance abuse program in a bid to have felony drug charges in Alabama dismissed, his attorney said on Monday.

Rod Giddens wrote in an email to The Associated Press that Dareus was allowed to enter the program during a hearing at Calhoun County Court in Alabama earlier in the day. Dareus attended the hearing while being excused from training camp in suburban Rochester, New York.

Buffalo’s WKBW-TV first reported the agreement.

Dareus, who is from Alabama and played for the Crimson Tide, was arrested and charged with possession of a controlled substance and drug paraphernalia after being stopped by a state trooper on May 5.

The charges will be dismissed and potentially expunged should the 2011 first-round draft pick successfully complete the program.

Giddens referred to Dareus as “a humble, gentle giant of a young man, who needs some mentors.”

This marks the first positive step during what’s been a troubled offseason for Dareus.

Four weeks after being arrested in Alabama, Dareus was allegedly racing teammate Jerry Hughes when he crashed his 2012 Jaguar into a tree near a busy intersection not far from Ralph Wilson Stadium.

Dareus was charged with reckless endangerment and ticketed for several traffic violations, including drag racing.

Dareus is still attempting to resolve those charges after failing to accept a plea deal earlier this month. He is next scheduled to appear in court on Sept. 9.

The NFL could potentially discipline Dareus with a fine or suspension.

Dareus also faces an immediate on-field challenge.

After reporting to camp on Friday, Dareus was placed on the active/non-football injury list after failing a conditioning test on Saturday. Dareus must pass the test before he can be cleared for practice.

Coach Doug Marrone said Dareus was scheduled to return to camp on Monday night, and was expected to be working out on the sideline during practice Tuesday morning.

Marrone didn’t provide a timetable of how long it might take Dareus to be tested again, except to say “when our weight coaches feel that he’s ready.”

Dareus has already missed the first two days of practice.

At practice on Monday, starting linebacker Brandon Spikes was escorted by trainers to the team’s cooling-off tent after experiencing what Marrone described as cramps. Marrone didn’t provide an update on Spikes’ status.

The 2-1/2 hour practice was held on a muggy afternoon with temperatures in the high 80s. As a precaution, Marrone took a 10-minute break during practice to allow players to cool off and hydrate.

The Bills avoided a scare when rookie first-round pick receiver Sammy Watkins was poked in the eye. He had to be helped off the field after making a leaping catch between three defenders. Watkins was treated on the sideline and returned for the next team drill.

Earlier in the day, the Bills shuffled their roster by signing defensive tackle Landon Cohen and receiver Naaman Roosevelt.

To make room, Buffalo released receiver Ramses Barden and linebacker Nathan Williams.

Cohen has five years of NFL experience, dividing last season between Dallas and Chicago. He was drafted by Detroit in the seventh round in 2008. Cohen reunites with former Lions coach Jim Schwartz, who is in his first season as Buffalo’s defensive coordinator.

Roosevelt rejoins the Bills after spending the 2010 and 2011 seasons in Buffalo. He’s a University at Buffalo product and split the past two seasons on the Lions and Cleveland Browns practice squads.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

Everett’s Alana Washington poses for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 Girls Basketball Player of the Year: Alana Washington

The Everett senior upped her game in the postseason to help the Seagulls overcome injuries and claim their first state trophy in 41 years.

Left to right, Arlington’s Samara Morrow, Kamiak’s Bella Hasan, Everett’s Alana Washington, Lake Steven’s Nisa Ellis, Lynnwood’s Aniya Hooker, and Meadowdale’s Gia Powell, pose for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 All-Area girls basketball teams

A look at the top prep girls basketball players in the area from the 2023-24 season.

Silvertips players celebrate during a game between the Everett Silvertips and Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024. The Silvertips won, 5-3. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Silvertips land No. 1 pick, chance to draft generational talent

Landon DuPont is the consensus top pick in next WHL prospects draft. Everett chief operating officer Zoran Rajcic said the team intends to select him.

Dennis Williams, head coach and GM of the Everett Silvertips, shakes hands with an assistant coach at the end of a season opening victory over the Vancouver Giants on Saturday, Sep. 24, 2022, at Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Coach, GM Williams leaving Silvertips for Bowling Green State

After seven successful season leading Everett, Dennis Williams is heading back to his alma mater. He’ll stay with the Tips through the WHL playoffs.

University of Washington's new men's basketball coach Danny Sprinkle meets the news media, Wednesday, March 27, 2024 in Seattle. (Ken Lambert/The Seattle Times via AP)
Taking over at Washington personal for men’s basketball coach Sprinkle

Danny Sprinkle spoke about his connection to the school during his introductory press conference Wednesday.

Mountlake Terrace’s Jaxon Dubiel talks with head coach Nalin Sood during the 3A boys state basketball game against Todd Beamer on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024 in Tacoma, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
‘It was just time’: Mountlake Terrace basketball coach Sood steps down

Nalin Sood guided his alma mater to 381 wins and 15 state berths in 24 seasons as head coach. He spent over four decades with the program.

Stanwood High School student athletes during their signing day ceremony. (Courtesy of Stanwood High School)
Local class of 2024 athletes who have signed to play in college

A running list of 2024 high school athletes who are set to compete at the next level.

X
Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26

Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Silvertips’ Kaden Hammell (47) enters the rink during a game between the Everett Silvertips and the Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Patterson: Overachieving Silvertips had season worth celebrating

In a season when some thought the team’s playoff streak could end, Everett put together one of its greatest campaigns.

Washington State athletic director Pat Chun, center, watches players on the first day of NCAA college football practice, Friday, Aug. 6, 2021, in Pullman, Wash. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
Washington hires AD Chun away from rival Washington State

UW quickly targeted its in-state rival’s athletic director after Troy Dannen’s sudden departure.

Seattle Mariners' Mitch Haniger hits a single against the San Diego Padres during the fourth inning of a spring training baseball game Monday, March 11, 2024, in Peoria, Ariz. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
Why the Mariners could win the AL West, and what could hold them back

Starting pitching, a renovated offense and regression in the AL West are in Seattle’s favor, but injury issues, bullpen concerns and the Houston Astros could be a problem.

X
Vote for The Herald’s Prep Athlete of the Week for March 18-24

The Athlete of the Week nominees for March 18-24. Voting closes at… Continue reading

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.