Tanard Jackson Suspended for Four Games

Tanard Jackson, a starting safety for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, has been suspended for four games by the NFL. Jackson’s suspension is due to failing a drug test. The type of substance that was detected in Jackson’s system has yet to be released.

Although Jackson isn’t a star, this is a big blow for the Buccaneers. Since being drafted, Jackson has started all 32 games of his NFL career. Last season, he had 69 tackles, two forced fumbles, one sack and one interception. The 6-foot, 200-pound Jackson played his college football at Syracuse.

With Jackson suspended, Tampa Bay will likely move Will Allen into a starting safety spot. The 27-year-old has been with the Buccaneers since 2004. Last year he played in all 16 games and finished the year with 19 tackles and one forced fumble.

Jackson will miss the first four weeks of the 2009 NFL season. In those weeks, the Buccaneers play the Dallas Cowboys, Buffalo Bills, New York Giants and Washington Redskins.

Tanard Jackson of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Suspended (Image: Zuma Press)