Colts' Pope gets 1 year suspension for substance abuse

INDIANAPOLIS -- The Indianapolis Colts expected linebacker Kendyll Pope to make a contribution this year, but they'll have to wait at least one more year to see him on the field.\nThe NFL on Wednesday suspended Pope for one year after another violation of the league's substance-abuse policy. Pope missed all but two games in 2004 because of a hip flexor injury.\n"We'll do as much as we can to help Kendyll get through this, but it's a situation where he has to satisfy the league," coach Tony Dungy said. "It's not a situation I've dealt with many times."\nConfidentiality rules prevent league officials or the Colts from divulging the substance found in Pope's urine sample.\nThe Colts put Pope on the reserve-suspended list Tuesday, but the punishment wasn't announced until Wednesday. The Associated Press left a message seeking comment at the office of Pope's agent, George Mavrikes.\nWith the suspension beginning immediately, Pope cannot practice or play with the Colts until next August. The length indicates Pope has tested positive for a banned substance, such as illegal drugs or alcohol, at least three times since leaving Florida State.\nIndianapolis took Pope in the fourth round of the 2004 draft.\nColts coaches thought Pope fit well in their defense, which favors speed over brawn. Despite missing most of last season and being slowed again during training camp by a shoulder injury, the Colts liked what they were seeing from the second-year player. He had three tackles last year.\nIndianapolis projected Pope as a solid contributor who could add depth to a young linebacking corps, and Pope appeared to be making progress.\n"I thought the kid had a chance to help us," defensive coordinator Ron Meeks said. "I feel bad. I really hope he can come around for us."\nTeammates agreed.\nDefensive tackle Montae Reagor said Pope added a physical presence to the Colts' small linebacking group. Middle linebacker Rob Morris, a former first-round pick and former starter, said Pope added quickness.\n"I saw him helping us out a lot on special teams and on the defense," Cato June said. "He's a playmaker. Unfortunately, whatever happened, we're there for him."\nOthers showed their support in other ways.\nLinebacker Gilbert Gardner, a third-round pick in 2004, called Pope a friend and said he would remain loyal to his buddy although he said he didn't know the details.\n"Kendyll is a good guy," Gardner said. "He's not the type of guy who would wrong anybody. I wish him the best."\nTo Dungy, the suspension came as a disappointment.\nThe Colts drafted Pope despite the injury, hoping he would recover in time to make an impact in 2005. Pope never got a chance.\n"I think players always have a responsibility to do as much as they can," Dungy said. "We don't have the services of a guy who we think is a good player. From our standpoint, we have to treat it as an injury and some guys have to pick up the slack."\nPope is the second Colts player to draw a league suspension this year. Colts safety Mike Doss received a two-game suspension in June for violating the league's personal conduct policy.