5 NFL Stars Who Were Suspended Indefinitely for Major Infractions

Carolina Panthers vs Atlanta Falcons - December 24, 2006
Carolina Panthers vs Atlanta Falcons - December 24, 2006 / Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

Cleveland Browns defensive lineman Myles Garrett is suspended indefinitely for his actions on Thursday, a game marred in the final seconds when he clubbed Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph in the head with his own helmet. We're talking about a former No. 1 overall pick and one of the best pass rushers in the game.

However, he's not the only NFL star who was suspended for a long time after a nefarious act. Here are five NFL stars who were suspended indefinitely for major infractions.

5. Richie Incognito

Oakland Raiders v Houston Texans
Oakland Raiders v Houston Texans / Tim Warner/Getty Images

Richie Incognito is known for being one of the best offensive lineman in the game, but he was suspended indefinitely for misconduct when it came to the treatment of his teammate Jonathan Martin. He didn't play a single game in 2014, but he's back and out there playing today with the Oakland Raiders after three seasons with the Buffalo Bills.

4. Rae Carruth

Rae Carruth is a former first-round pick by the Carolina Panthers, but he only played in a total of 22 games over three seasons before being found guilty of conspiring to murder his then-girlfriend Cherica Adams, who was pregnant with his child at the time, causing brain damage to the developing baby. Carruth spent 18 years in prison before being released in October 2018.

3. Adrian Peterson

You could've made a strong argument five years ago that running back Adrian Peterson was the best at his position in the sport, and one of the best of all-time, but he played in just one game in 2014 after receiving an indefinite suspension by the NFL for violating the league's personal conduct policy after being charged with child abuse. Peterson is still active and a pretty solid player at his age, but this black mark on his career will never go away.

2. Plaxico Burress

Plaxico Burress was a key cog for the New York Giants at the wide receiver position in 2008, but then he...well, he accidentally shot himself in the leg at a club, and was never the same player. Burress went to prison for this incident and missed two full NFL seasons before returning with the New York Jets.

1. Michael Vick

When Michael Vick was the quarterback of the Atlanta Falcons, he was one of the most dynamic players we've ever seen in the NFL. Stunningly, his career was derailed when it was discovered he was the ringleader of a dog-fighting operation, a scandal that led to prison time and an indefinite suspension by the NFL. Vick missed two full seasons before latching on with the Philadelphia Eagles, where he spent five years rehabilitating his career and image.