Letroy Guion loses appeal, 3-game suspension upheld

Packers defensive lineman Letroy Guion has been suspended for the first three games of the 2015 regular season for violating the league's substance abuse policy, the NFL announced Thursday.

Guion was originally notified of his suspension in July, six months after his February arrest on charges of possession of marijuana and a firearm, but the league does not announce suspensions until a player's appeal has been heard. Guion's was heard on Monday.

In March, he paid a $5,000 fine in a plea deal to avoid prosecution.

The Packers gave Guion a one-year deal for $2.75 million shortly after his case was settled. By losing his appeal, the 28-year-old will lose a half-million dollars. He will lose three game checks totaling approximately $264,706, plus $215,625 in roster bonuses.

Guion's suspension leaves Green Bay short on the defensive line Week 1 against the Bears. Defensive end Datone Jones was also suspended for violating the policy in July. Guion is eligible to return to the team Sept. 29, a day after the Packers play the Chiefs on Monday Night Football.