Vikes' Simpson suspended 3 games

The NFL has suspended Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jerome Simpson for the first three games of the 2012 season for violating the league's substance abuse policy.

Simpson also was fined one game check.

He will be eligible to return to the team on Sept. 24 following its third game, but can participate in all preseason activities, including games.

Simpson was convicted this year on a felony drug charge. Law enforcement authorities tracked a shipment of 2 1/2 pounds of marijuana to his Kentucky home last year and found another pound of the drug inside.

Simpson was sentenced to 15 days in jail, three years of probation and 200 hours of community service plus a $7,500 fine and court costs.