- New Orleans Saints Alvin Kamara is suspended for conduct violations.
- Kamara will miss games against the Titans, Panthers, and Packers and can return in Week 4.
- Kamara’s suspension means he will miss games for the sixth consecutive season, with the Saints having a 3-7 record in games without him historically.
New Orleans Saints’ star running back Alvin Kamara faced disciplinary actions for his role in the incident that took place during the 2022 Pro Bowl weekend.
Impact on NFL
The NFL has handed down a suspension to New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara, stemming from his involvement in a February 2022 battery incident in Las Vegas.
The league’s decision comes after a thorough investigation into the incident, which resulted in charges against Kamara, and others. The incident involved an altercation with Darrell Greene outside a Las Vegas nightclub, where surveillance footage corroborated Greene’s claims of being punched and kicked by multiple individuals.
Kamara, known for his on-field prowess and accolades, including being a five-time Pro Bowl selection and the 2017 Offensive Rookie of the Year, faced legal proceedings for his actions. In a recent hearing, Kamara pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor charge of breach of peace. This plea allowed him to avoid a potential felony battery charge that carried a maximum five-year sentence.
As a part of his resolution, Kamara was ordered to complete 30 hours of community service and pay restitution to Greene, covering past-due medical expenses totaling $105,196.17. He was also fined $500 for his actions. The suspension will see Kamara miss the first three games of the 2023 regular season, a significant blow to the Saints’ offensive lineup. However, he expressed contrition and acknowledged the embarrassment caused by his actions.
The league’s decision to suspend Kamara underscores the NFL’s commitment to upholding its personal conduct policy and maintaining the integrity of the sport. As Kamara serves his suspension, he remains focused on his return and making amends for his actions, while the Saints aim to navigate the challenging games ahead without their star player.
Betting implications
Kamara’s absence will have a notable impact on the Saints, as the dynamic running back has been a cornerstone of their offense. In his absence, other players like Jamaal Williams and newly drafted talent will need to step up to fill the void. The Saints have historically struggled without Kamara, boasting a 3-7 record in games he missed.
The games Kamara will miss are:
Vs. Tennessee Titans
At Carolina Panthers
At Green Bay Packer
All three of their opponents finished under .500, and the Panthers will start rookie quarterback Bryce Young, while the Packers will have first-year starting quarterback Jordan Love.
Even without Kamara, the Saints could be favored in all of those games. The addition of Derek Carr as the quarterback helps them tremendously, and they did sign former Lions running back Jamaal Williams, who led the league in 2022 with 17 rushing touchdowns. I would favor the Saints to win each of these games.
