The NFL suspended New Orleans Saints superstar running back Alvin Kamara Friday for his alleged role in an alleged beating that occurred outside a Las Vegas nightclub, according to NFL insiders.
Kamara will be suspended for three games beginning with their season opener against the Tennessee Titans Sept. 10, according to NFL insider Adam Schefter. The suspension follows a plea deal where Kamara will serve 30 hours of community service and pay $105,000 for medical bills, according to ESPN.
Sources: NFL is suspending Saints RB Alvin Kamara 3 games for his role in a fight outside a Las Vegas nightclub in 2022. Kamara reached a plea agreement in July, and no longer is facing a felony charge for his role in the fight that occurred before the Pro Bowl in February 2022. pic.twitter.com/tmEYhB7NnS
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 4, 2023
Kamara’s suspension leaves the Saints without a key playmaker to begin the new season after finishing with a disappointing 7-10 record in the 2022-2023 season. Kamara played 15 games in the 2022 season and accumulated 897 yards and two touchdowns, according to Pro Football Reference. (RELATED: Michigan’s Jim Harbaugh Facing 4-Game Suspension To Begin 2023 Season Due To Recruiting Violations)
Fortunately for the Saints, they focused on adding depth to their backfield with the signing of Jamaal Williams, who had a league leading 17 touchdowns last season, according to ESPN. The Saints also retooled at quarterback, adding Pro-Bowler Derek Carr on a four-year-deal.
The Saints find themselves playing the Tennessee Titans, Carolina Panthers and Green Bay Packers, all teams who finished under .500 last season, during the suspension.
The worst case scenario shows the Saint’s struggling in all three games and making a push once Kamara returns. Regardless, losing a superstar is never ideal for a team that could contend for a division title this year.