New Orleans Saints’ Alvin Kamara Suspended for Three Games Following 2022 Altercation
In a shocking turn of events, Alvin Kamara, the star running back for the New Orleans Saints, has been suspended for three games by the NFL. The suspension comes as a result of his role in a altercation that took place in Las Vegas in 2022.
Kamara recently pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor charge related to the incident. He expressed his embarrassment and acknowledged that he was in the wrong. In an effort to resolve the issue, Kamara met with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, and the meeting was deemed successful.
Originally scheduled to go to trial on July 31, Kamara opted to plead no contest to a lesser charge. As part of his punishment, he will be required to do community service and pay over $100,000 in medical bills to the victim. Kamara publicly apologized for his actions, recognizing the embarrassment he has caused to the Saints, his family, and the NFL as a whole.
The altercation occurred at a club in a Las Vegas casino the night before the Pro Bowl. Kamara was subsequently arrested and charged with battery resulting in substantial bodily harm.
Despite the gravity of the incident, Kamara’s three-game suspension is considered fortunate. In similar situations, the baseline punishment typically involves a six-game suspension. It is expected that Kamara will accept the penalty without appeal.
With Kamara sidelined for three games, the Saints will need to manage without their star player by upgrading their depth at the running back position. The team has made moves to solidify their roster, including the addition of Jamaal Williams and the drafting of Kendre Miller to complement Kamara.
However, Kamara’s recent performance has raised some concerns. His EPA-per-target/rush rates have shown a decline in both 2021 and 2022. Nevertheless, Kamara’s contract average per year remains the second-highest among running backs, highlighting the high expectations placed on him.
Furthermore, the Colts cornerback Chris Lammons, who was also involved in the altercation, has received a similar three-game suspension. This will further deplete the Colts’ inexperienced cornerback room. This incident marks the second suspension of the offseason for the Colts, with Isaiah Rodgers Sr. previously receiving a suspension for violating the NFL gambling policy. Rodgers will miss the entire 2023 season as a result.
As fans anxiously await Kamara’s return to the field, it remains to be seen how the Saints will cope in his absence. The community service and financial compensation required of Kamara underscore the seriousness of the incident and the importance of accountability within the NFL.