Buffalo Bills LB Von Miller Suspended Four Games for Violating NFL’s Personal-Conduct Policy

Buffalo Bills star outside linebacker Von Miller has been handed a four-game suspension for violating the NFL’s personal-conduct policy, NFL Network Insider Tom Pelissero reported Tuesday. The suspension, which is without pay, takes effect immediately, sidelining Miller for critical upcoming matchups. He will be eligible to return following the Bills’ Week 8 game against the Seattle Seahawks on October 28.

The suspension stems from an incident in November 2023, when Miller, then 34 years old, was involved in a legal case. On November 30, Miller turned himself in to authorities in suburban Dallas, Texas, after police accused him of third-degree felony assault of a pregnant woman. The woman, with whom Miller had been in a relationship for seven years, is the mother of two of his children and was reportedly pregnant at the time of the alleged assault. The charges carried the potential for two to ten years of imprisonment, along with a $10,000 fine.

Miller was released after posting a $5,000 bond, but the incident cast a shadow over his career and future with the Bills. Despite the severity of the allegations, no formal charges were filed against Miller, and during Buffalo’s training camp earlier this year, he expressed confidence that the case was closed, based on legal feedback he had received. “It’s behind me,” Miller told reporters at the time, stating that his focus was entirely on football and helping the Bills in their pursuit of a Super Bowl championship.

However, the NFL conducted its own investigation, as it routinely does in matters of player conduct, and ultimately decided to impose the suspension. While no charges were filed, the league’s personal-conduct policy allows for disciplinary action based on the nature of the accusations and the findings of their independent probe. The NFL’s policy is clear in its stance on maintaining the integrity of the league and holding players accountable for off-field behavior, even when legal outcomes do not result in formal prosecution.

Impact on the Buffalo Bills

Von Miller’s absence will undoubtedly affect the Buffalo Bills, who are off to a strong start this season with a 3-1 record. The veteran linebacker has been a key contributor to the Bills’ defense, recording three sacks over the first four games of the 2024 campaign. His presence on the field brings leadership, experience, and the ability to disrupt opposing offenses—skills that will be sorely missed during his suspension.

The Bills are slated to face the Houston Texans in Week 5, followed by key matchups against the Los Angeles Rams and Jacksonville Jaguars. Losing Miller during this stretch could challenge the Bills’ defensive unit as they prepare to face talented quarterbacks like C.J. Stroud and Trevor Lawrence.

Buffalo’s defense has been formidable this season, but they will need to make adjustments in Miller’s absence. Coach Sean McDermott and defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier will likely look to younger players and other veterans to step up and fill the void left by the former Super Bowl MVP. Miller’s leadership will be hard to replicate, but the Bills’ depth at linebacker could help mitigate the loss.

Miller’s Future

Von Miller, who signed a six-year, $120 million contract with the Bills in 2022, remains one of the most dominant pass rushers in the NFL. Despite his legal troubles and advancing age, he has continued to perform at a high level, which makes his suspension even more significant for both his career and the team’s aspirations. Upon his return, Miller will have the opportunity to prove that this setback will not define the remainder of his career.

For now, Miller’s suspension is another reminder of the NFL’s unwavering commitment to enforcing its personal-conduct policy, regardless of the legal outcome. The Buffalo Bills will need to navigate the next four weeks without one of their most prominent defensive leaders, while Miller will be hoping to put this chapter behind him once and for all.

Meanwhile, Buffalo Bills GM Brandon Beane confirmed that edge rusher Von Miller will continue to practice and play despite facing a domestic violence charge. Miller, accused of assaulting a pregnant woman, has not been formally charged. The NFL and the Bills are monitoring the situation closely.