NFL HAND SUSPENSION TO MORRIS

09/04/06

The Miami Dolphins have lost a second running back to suspension after the National Football League banned Sammy Morris for the first four games of the season for violating the league's policy on anabolic steroids and related substances.

The announcement on Saturday leaves the Dolphins short of options at running back less than a week before the start of the new NFL season.

They had already lost running back Ricky Williams for the year after he violated the league's substance abuse policy for the fourth time last March.

The suspension of Williams, who rushed for 743 yards and six touchdowns in 2005, had made Morris the top back-up to Ronnie Brown but he will not be eligible to play again until the Dolphins visit New England on October 8.

The inexperienced Travis Minor, who had just five carries last season, will be the primary backup when Miami open their season with a visit to Super Bowl champions Pittsburgh Steelers next Thursday.

Morris, 29, started eight of Miami's 13 games in 2004 and rushed for a career-high 523 yards.

He spent four seasons with Buffalo before signing with Miami in March 2004.