Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Aqib Talib is suspended without pay for the team's first regular season game, the team announced Tuesday, because of an incident with a cab driver in August 2009.
The suspension is for violating the NFL Personal Conduct Policy.
Talib's suspension, handed down by the NFL, begins on Sept. 4. He will be eligible to return to the active roster on Sept. 13, the day after the opening game against the Cleveland Browns at Raymond James Stadium.
Talib also will be fined an additional game check.
"Since last fall, Aqib has done all that's been asked of him and more, on and especially off the field," Bucs general manager Mark Dominik said in a statement. "We look forward to his return to the field in Week 2."
Talib was arrested Aug. 19, 2009, after the Florida Highway Patrol said he punched cab driver David Duggan in the neck and ear with a closed fist while riding from a St. Petersburg club to a Tampa hotel.
Talib entered a written plea of not guilty, and later reached a monetary settlement with Duggan before also entering a pre-trail intervention program.
The NFL, meanwhile, withheld judgment on the matter until after Talib met with Commissioner Roger Goodell to discuss the matter. That meeting took place during the offseason, and the suspension was handed down Tuesday.
Talib started 16 games for the Bucs last year and was slated to be their starting left cornerback on opening day against the Browns, but the suspension likely will force the Bucs to go with E.J. Biggers at that spot.
Talib is eligible to participate in the remaining preseason practices and final preseason game at Houston on Thursday.
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