FORT WORTH, Texas Dallas cornerback Adam “Pacman” Jones once again must earn his way back into the NFL, and it likely will take more than being on his best behavior.
The NFL suspended Jones for at least four games Tuesday for violating the league's personal conduct policy. Commissioner Roger Goodell will determine the full length of the suspension after the Cowboys' Nov. 16 game in Washington.
The league said reinstatement will depend on strict compliance with treatment plans by the NFL and the Cowboys and an evaluation by “clinical experts.”
“The question really is, can he address his issues he needs to address. He does need treatment,” said Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, adding any treatment would be voluntary. “I do agree with the commissioner in that he needs to address some things and show that he's aware of that.”
Jerry Jones last week said the team wouldn't discipline him.
After repeated legal trouble while with the Tennessee Titans, Adam Jones was traded six months ago to Dallas, where he had stayed out of trouble until an alcohol-related scuffle Oct. 7 with one of his bodyguards at a private party.
In a letter to Jones Tuesday, Goodell cited a “disturbing pattern of behavior and clearly inconsistent with the conditions I set for your continued participation in the NFL.”
The Cowboys acquired receiver Roy Williams from Detroit, trading a first-round pick in 2009, plus a third- and sixth-rounder that year and a seventh-round pick in '09.
Cowboys punter Mat McBriar was put on injured reserve, ending his season two days after sustaining a broken foot on the last play of the overtime loss at Arizona. The Cowboys signed punter Sam Paulescu, who was in training camp with Dallas in 2007.
ELSEWHERE
BALTIMORE: The Ravens placed starting right offensive guard Marshal Yanda on injured reserve with torn knee ligaments.
DETROIT: The winless Lions placed quarterback Jon Kitna on the injured reserve.
HOUSTON:Dunta Robinson, 26, was one of the NFL's top young cornerbacks when a collision with a Texans teammate left his right leg a mangled mess. His hamstring was ripped off the bone and his anterior cruciate ligament was torn.
The journey that began in that moment more than 11 months ago will culminate with Robinson returning to practice today. If things go well, he could play Sunday.
KANSAS CITY: Tight end Tony Gonzalez, 32, who had asked Kansas City to explore trade talks because he wants an opportunity to make a Super Bowl run before the end of his career, is staying with the Chiefs. Coach Herm Edwards said no deal was struck before the 4 p.m. trade deadline.
Running back Larry Johnson was charged with pushing a woman at a Kansas City nightclub in February, the third time he has been charged with assaulting a woman. He is to appear in court Dec. 3.
N.Y. GIANTS: Quarterback Eli Manning bruised his chest during the Giants' 35-14 loss to Cleveland on Monday night. Coach Tom Coughlin indicated Manning would practice for this weekend's game against San Francisco.
PITTSBURGH: The team asked the NFL to clarify why Hines Ward, one of the league's best-blocking receivers, was fined $15,000 the past two games for unnecessary roughness despite not being penalized.
WASHINGTON: Former league MVP Shaun Alexander signed with the Redskins. He was cut by Seattle in April.
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