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Arizona Cardinals release Daryl Washington less than 3 weeks after reinstatement by NFL

Posted at 10:25 AM, May 11, 2017
and last updated 2017-05-11 17:32:55-04

Less than three weeks after Daryl Washington was reinstated by the NFL following a three-year suspension, the Arizona Cardinals decided to part ways with the former Pro Bowl linebacker.

The 30-year-old Washington, who was suspended for the entire 2014 season for his second substance abuse violation and continued to be suspended due to subsequent violations, was reinstated on a conditional basis by the NFL on April 25.

The Cardinals met with Washington on Wednesday.

"After meeting with Daryl Washington, we have collectively decided it is best to release Daryl and give him the opportunity to continue his career elsewhere," the team said in a statement Thursday.

The Cardinals selected Washington in the second round of the 2010 NFL Draft. He recorded 108 tackles and nine sacks in 2012 when he was selected to the Pro Bowl.

Washington's release will reportedly save the Cardinals over $3 million this season.

"I want to thank the Cardinals organization, especially Mr. Bidwill and (general manager) Steve Keim for drafting and believing in me, and their continued support," Washington said in a statement after his release.

"We've had some really positive and productive discussions this week, and at the end of the day we mutually agreed it was best for both sides to get a fresh start. I'm in the best shape of my life, and very much look forward to the next opportunity, where I will again play at an All-Pro level and help my team make a championship run."

Washington was suspended for the first four games of the 2013 season as a result of his first substance abuse violation. Also in 2013, he was arrested in Phoenix on two counts of aggravated assault stemming from an altercation with his girlfriend.

In a statement to ProFootballTalk just hours after his reinstatement, Washington said he was "honored and humbled" to be reinstated and said he's ready to play in the NFL again.

"These last three years have been the most difficult of my life without the game I love so much. That said, I've used this time to make tremendous strides as a man and have grown into a proud husband, father, and contributing member of my community," he said.