Ravens’ Lewis Gets Suspended by NFL

Baltimore Raven running back Jamal Lewis was suspended for two games without pay by the NFL for violating the league’s substance-abuse policy, one day after pleading guilty to trying to set up a drug deal four years ago.

Lewis will not appeal the punishment and will sit out those games in late October, the Ravens said. He plans to play Sunday night at Washington.

Lewis also was fined two weeks’ salary, $380,500, in the decision issued Friday by NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue. That means Lewis will lose a total of $761,000.

A drug-related legal violation is grounds for league discipline under the NFL’s substance-abuse policy.

A player has five days to appeal a suspension. Though Lewis does not plan to appeal, club spokesman Kevin Byrne said, he would use the five days to consult with his lawyers, allowing him to play against the Redskins.

Lewis will sit out the Ravens’ home game Oct. 24 against Buffalo and their game Oct. 31 in Philadelphia.

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With kicker Mike Vanderjagt questionable because of a right hamstring injury, the Indianapolis Colts signed kicker Matt Bryant, who was released by the Dallas Cowboys during the final cutdown Sept. 5.

Vanderjagt, who suffered the injury Sunday against Jacksonville, did not kick Friday, but indicated that he still hoped to play Sunday against the Oakland Raiders.

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New York Giant backup linebacker Wes Mallard will be sidelined the rest of the season because of a torn ligament in his left knee. He will need surgery, the team said.