Seahawks defensive tackle Jarran Reed has been suspended for the first six games of the 2019 season for a violation of the NFL's personal conduct policy.
The story was first reported by Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network.
Reed, 26, was investigated by Bellevue police over an alleged domestic violence incident in April 2017. However, Reed was not arrested or charged in the matter. The NFL has apparently been looking into the matter ever since with Reed's appeal of the suspension being denied on Friday. The NFL confirmed the suspension in a statement released through the Seahawks late Monday morning.
"I apologize to those close to me including my family, the entire Seattle Seahawks organization and fans of the team for putting myself in a position where I could be disciplined by the NFL," Reed wrote in a statement posted to his Twitter account. "While I totally disagree with the decision of the NFL, I still must accept it and take responsibility for the situation. I have learned from this and will do everything I can to make my friends, family, teammates, fans and the Seahawks proud of me moving forward."
The suspension is a significant blow to a Seahawks defensive line that is already lacking in proven production. Reed will miss over a third of the season and free agent signing Ezekiel Ansah's availability is still unknown as he recovers from shoulder surgery. If Ansah isn't ready to start the year and Reed is out until mid-October, the Seahawks line, on paper, could appear significantly underwhelming.
The suspension of Reed is a curious one given the lack of charges, amount of time that has passed since the incident occurred, and the juxtaposition of Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Tyreek Hill not being suspended over much more visible allegations involving his child and girlfriend.
With Frank Clark now in Kansas City and Reed set to miss the first six weeks of the season, the Seahawks are missing 23.5 sacks in pass rush production from last season. Reed is entering the final year of his rookie contract with the team and is set to be a free agent following the 2019 season.
Photo Credit: SEATTLE, WA - DECEMBER 30: Jarran Reed #90 of the Seattle Seahawks sacks Josh Rosen #3 of the Arizona Cardinals in the third quarter at CenturyLink Field on December 30, 2018 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)