Saints RB Alvin Kamara to discuss potential suspension with Roger Goodell
New Orleans Saints star Alvin Kamara knows a suspension is likely heading his way, which is why the 28-year-old running back is planning to meet with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell in the next few days to advocate for himself.
At the urging of the Saints, Kamara seemingly wants to give his account of things regarding a February 2022 incident near a Las Vegas nightclub during the Pro Bowl in which the Tennessee alum and three others were facing charges of conspiracy to commit battery and battery resulting in substantial bodily harm—a violation of the league’s personal conduct policy.
"I think Alvin really wants to get out ahead of this and have a chance to visit with Roger and kind of give him his side of the story," Saints head coach Dennis Allen told reporters on Monday. "At the end of the day, I think part of it is, 'Let's get some resolution with where we're at and move forward.' I think Alvin is looking forward to putting this behind him and focusing in on what he has to do to be the best he can for our team this season.”
Kamara pled no contest to breach of peace, a misdemeanor, resulting in 30 hours of community service. He also has to pay the victim’s medical bills, which total approximately $105,000.
The victim’s lawyer also confirmed that his client and Kamara privately reached an additional settlement in July—one that come with a public apology from the five-time Pro Bowler.
Although the incident is Kamara’s first off-the-field issue of his career, he’s expected to be handed a multi-game suspension from the NFL.
“We’re expecting to have Alvin this year; Alvin is going to be a big part of what we do,” Allen added. “We’re going to practice that way accordingly. We haven’t heard anything from the league at all. So, it’s really something that’s out of our control.”
While it’s unlikely Kamara will miss more than a handful of games, the Saints drafted TCU running back Kendre Miller in the third round in anticipation of Kamara’s expected absence.
New Orleans has been experimenting with the 21-year-old tailback throughout the offseason in certain offensive packages that it uses for Kamara. Miller rushed for 2,410 yards and 26 touchdowns across three seasons at TCU, adding 29 receptions for 229 yards.
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