Bucs' Tanard Jackson suspended by NFL

The Buccaneers are still undefeated in the standings, but they suffered their second personnel loss of the season Wednesday, and it is one that has become all too familiar to them in recent years.

Starting fourth-year safety Tanard Jackson, who led Tampa Bay defensive backs with 13 tackles through the first two games, was suspended indefinitely without pay for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy.

Jackson, who was suspended without pay for the first four games of the 2009 season for violating the same policy, learned of his latest suspension following Wednesday's workout at One Buc Place, General Manager Mark Dominik said.

Specifics of Jackson's violation were not disclosed by Jackson, the Bucs or the NFL, but the suspension began immediately, and it prohibits Jackson from being reinstated until at least Sept. 22, 2011.

"We know that he is suspended for the rest of the year," Dominik said.

The NFL's substance abuse policy primarily covers drugs and alcohol, with performance-enhancing drugs covered under a separate policy. The substance-abuse policy does not call for a suspension until a player reaches Stage 2 of the league's intervention program, indicating Jackson failed for the second time to remain in compliance with the terms laid out for him as a Stage 1 offender.

"As much as I would like to comment on it, I'm going through a lot and I can't talk about it right now," Jackson said shortly after learning of the suspension. "Maybe at another time."

The Bucs did not immediately name a replacement for the free safety, but the team typically trains players to play both the free safety and strong safety positions, so former starting strong safety Sabby Piscitelli could move into the spot.

"Obviously, we have a position open," Dominik said. "Coach (Raheem) Morris is going to take the few days we have going forward to think about this. But we are happy we have guys like Corey Lynch, Cody Grimm, Sabby Piscitelli and Sean Jones on the roster."

Jones, acquired during free agency this past offseason, started the first two games at strong safety. Lynch, a third-year pro, has played primarily on special teams, but he intercepted two passes in the final preseason game. Grimm, a seventh-round draft pick, also has played exclusively on special teams since the regular season started.

Jackson was off to a good start this season, with 13 tackles, including two for a loss, a quarterback pressure and one forced fumble. Despite playing in 12 games in 2009, Jackson tied for the team lead in interceptions with five and has been labeled a "Pro Bowl-caliber" player by several opposing coaches, including Carolina's John Fox.

"Obviously, we're disappointed," Dominik said. "The coaches, the fans, the defense - all of us are disappointed at this point. Tanard Jackson is a talented young man whom we hope is able to use this year to put his troubles behind him and ultimately return a stronger man and player.

"It's up to Tanard whether the team and our fans eventually realize his considerable promise."

Jackson was entering the final year of his contract and was scheduled to earn $550,000 this year. His suspension will cost him approximately $480,000. It will also cost him a year of service time and the right to become an unrestricted free agent after this season, so the Bucs will retain his rights through the 2011 season.

The suspension is the second incurred by a starting Bucs defensive back this season. Cornerback Aqib Talib was suspended for the season-opening win against Cleveland for violating the league's personal conduct policy.

Talib's suspension came as a result of the third-year cornerback's involvement in an August 2009 incident in which he was arrested for punching a cab driver in the neck. He still faces possible discipline for violating the terms of his suspension by watching the first game of the season from a suite he owns at Raymond James Stadium.