Former Chiefs LB Vince Redd Back from Suspension

On the morning of August 24th, the Kansas City Chiefs unexpectedly released Vince Redd, a former New England Patriots linebacker.  On the evening of August 24th, we found out why.

Redd was suspended for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy.  More specifically, per his agent Joe Linta, he took over-the-counter Sudafed, which contains Ephedra, an ingredient on the league's no-no list.

After serving a four game suspension, Redd is now available according to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk.  Redd's part of the family tree, having previously served under Bill Belichick and Scott Pioli in New England.  He was signed by the Chiefs on August 3rd and spent the majority of training camp with the team so he knows at least the beginnings of the system.

I'm certainly not dismissing the possibility of him returning to the Chiefs despite seeing little playing time in two preseason games.  Like we've previously said, the Pioli/Haley/Parcells connection seems to be strong.

Another interesting name on the returning-from-suspension list includes Shaun Smith, most recently of the Cleveland Browns.  Smith is a 6'2", 320 pound nose tackle out of the University of South Carolina (Maybe former SC resident Kent Babb can fill us in on him).  He's also got experience in the 3-4.

The reason I bring his name up is because he's got the Chiefs Connection.

• Bill Parcells ('03-'04: Signed as a UDFA and spent rookie season on the practice squad
• Clancy Pendergast ('04): Claimed off waivers for five days
  
• Romeo Crennel ('07-'08): Spent two years with the former Patriots defensive coordinator
  

Now, Smith doesn't come without a little baggage.  Find out about that, and three other players that are returning from suspension after the jump.

There was the report last year that he cold-cocked Brady Quinn (If you're a fan of the other SC then this might be a good thing).  Then came a run-in with Browns defensive line coach Bryan Cox which preceded his release from the team.  Then came his release from the Detroit Lions for not buying "into the team's philosophy, attitude and direction." (Seriously, any player cut by the Lions needs to be evaluated twice.) Then came the September suspension for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy.

However, he does have talent which is evidenced by the fact that six teams inquired about his services following his release from the Lions.

Also returning from suspension is:

• DE Brent Hawkins: 2006 5th round draft pick by the Jags, decent I-AA player setting school sack records
  
• S Daren Stone: 2007 6th round draft pick by the Falcons, bounced around the league
• RB Cory Boyd: 2008 7th round draft pick by the Bucs, most famous for being the other participant in the Aqib Talib NFL Symposium fight last year