Cardinals linebacker Daryl Washington will miss at least the first four games of the season.
Washington met Monday with an NFL official in New York in hopes of having his suspension -- for violating the league's substance abuse policy -- shortened or reduced, but the league denied his request. His meeting -- although Washington said before leaving camp for New York that it was more of an informal discussion than an official meeting -- was with Adolpho Birch, a senior vice president for the NFL.
Washington has never revealed the specific nature of his violation.
A first-time Pro Bowler last season, Washington also could face additional discipline from the team and league due to an offseason arrest on two counts of aggravated assault in a domestic dispute.
