NFL stars slapped with bans after violating drugs policy as league cracks down ahead of new season

The NFL has imposed suspensions on two players from different teams as part of a crack-down on drug use before the start of the season.

On Friday afternoon, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that Tennessee Titans defensive back Nazeeh Johnson was suspended for six games for violating the league’s policy against performance-enhancing substances.

Exactly three minutes later, Schefter reported a three-game suspension for Buffalo Bills defensive tackle Phidarian Mathis for violating the league’s substance abuse policy.

While it’s not clear what Johnson took that was in violation of the NFL’s policy, Mathis’ issue was revealed by ESPN Bills reporter Alaina Getzenberg.

According to ESPN, Mathis’ suspension ‘stems from an alcohol-related incident that occurred in spring 2025’ while he was a member of the New York Jets.

Mathis never appeared for the Jets after being claimed by the team off waivers in December 2024.

Bills DT Phidarian Mathis was also suspended for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy

Mathis had previously spent two seasons with the Washington Commanders after being selected by the team in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft out of Alabama.

Mathis played in six games for the Bills last season and recorded 13 total tackles, including four solo tackles.

He is eligible to be reinstated by the league on September 28.

As for Johnson, the Marshall product was selected in the seventh-round of the 2022 NFL Draft by the Kansas City Chiefs.

Johnson’s 2025 season was sidetracked by a shoulder injury that he suffered in the preseason. He was activated in the run-up to Week 14 and only logged two games played.

Across his career, Johnson has logged 66 total tackles, including 39 solo tackles, as well as one sack. 

Johnson signed with the Titans in July out of free agency.