STATEMENT BY AN NFL SPOKESPERSON:

Tamba Hali of the Kansas City Chiefs has been suspended without pay for the team’s first 2012 regular-season game and fined one additional game check for violating the NFL policy on substance abuse.

Hali will be eligible to return to the Chiefs’ active roster on Monday, September 10 following the team’s September 9 game against the Atlanta Falcons.

Hali is eligible to participate in all preseason practices and games.

STATEMENT FROM THE KANSAS CITY CHIEFS REGARDING LINEBACKER TAMBA HALI:

“Tamba’s situation is unfortunate,” said Kansas City Chiefs General Manager Scott Pioli. “Obviously, we are disappointed and will miss him during this suspension, but the NFL’s policies are very clear and we respect the league’s decision in this matter. We are unable to comment further on this matter or any aspect of the NFL’s Drug Policy.”

— Chiefs Media Relations —