Seahawk Receiver Gets Four-Game Suspension

Seattle Seahawk receiver Koren Robinson was suspended without pay Monday for the next four games for violating the NFL’s substance-abuse policy.

Robinson will sit out home games against Buffalo and Dallas, as well as trips to Minnesota and the New York Jets. He is eligible to return for a Dec. 26 home game against Arizona.

NFL career receiving leader Jerry Rice, who started and had three receptions for 86 yards and a touchdown in Sunday’s 24-17 victory over Miami, will take over at Robinson’s position.

“You just have to keep going,” Rice said. “Koren is a great receiver. “

Robinson was at team headquarters Monday but declined to comment.

Robinson also sat out the Miami game, but Coach Mike Holmgren said that was punishment for violating undisclosed team rules and had no relation to the NFL suspension.

The ninth overall pick of the 2001 draft, Robinson was suspended for a game at Arizona last season after missing a team meeting. In February 2003, he was arrested outside a bar in Raleigh, N.C., for failure to disperse.

“It’s very disappointing to see wonderful potential lost like that,” Holmgren said Monday. “Is he going to rebound off this? Yes, but this is a missed time. You just want the lights to go on for some of these young guys, and have them understand how fortunate they are to be doing what they’re doing.”

Robinson has slumped in his fourth NFL season, catching 31 passes for 495 yards with two touchdowns. He also has been plagued by dropped passes -- a recurring problem for Seattle’s receivers.

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