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FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (AP) — New York Jets wide receiver Quincy Enunwa was suspended four games without pay by the NFL on Monday for violating the league's personal conduct policy.
The suspension stems from an incident last year in which Enunwa was arrested for simple assault on his girlfriend at a New Jersey hotel. Domestic violence charges were later dropped in the case.
In a statement, the Jets said they "support and respect the NFL's decision" to suspend Enunwa.
"The New York Jets share the NFL's ongoing commitment to raising awareness of the frequency and impact of domestic and relationship violence," the statement added, "supporting survivors and encouraging others to speak out and seek help."
Enunwa was arrested just after the league put in place tougher penalties for players accused of domestic violence, including a six-week suspension for first offenses and at least a year for second offenses.
The NFL and NFL Players Association negotiated the suspension down to four games from six, with Enunwa's complete cooperation, remorse and acceptance of responsibility factoring in. The NFL's personal conduct policy also provides for the possibility of mitigation. ESPN first reported the suspension being reduced from six games.
Enunwa has become a key part of the offense as a blocking receiver after being a sixth-round pick out of Nebraska last year. He has eight catches for 94 yards this season after earning the role as the Jets' No. 3 receiver behind starters Brandon Marshall and Eric Decker.
Enunwa is eligible to return to the Jets' active roster on Nov. 13, following the team's game against the Buffalo Bills on Nov. 12. He'll also miss New York's AFC East showdown at New England on Sunday, as well as games at Oakland and against Jacksonville at home. As per the league's personal conduct policy, Enunwa is not allowed at the team's facility during his suspension.
Coach Todd Bowles said he learned of Enunwa's suspension Monday, but was aware since the preseason that the NFL could make a decision at some point during the season.
"I'm surprised it happened so late in the season, being that it happened last year," Bowles said. "But that's the process they went through and they took their time going through it. We respect the decision, and we're going to move forward."
Florham Park police said Enunwa pulled the woman off a bed in a hotel on Aug. 31, 2014, and she injured her head and finger. The woman decided to not pursue the case, which was conditionally dismissed in court last October.
Enunwa spent most of last season on the Jets' practice squad after he had 12 touchdowns for Nebraska in 2013 and was the Gator Bowl MVP.
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AP Pro Football Writer Barry Wilner in New York contributed.
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