The fallout from Deonte Harris' offseason arrest for an alleged DWI has arrived. Not it's just a question of when the Saints have to deal with it.
The NFL handed down a three-game suspension for the Saints' All-Pro return man and wide receiver, according to a report from Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network. Harris learned of the suspension ahead of Week 12, but opted to appeal. He'll be able to play while that appeal is heard, but the suspension will take effect if it's deemed unsuccessful.
The incident occurred in Maryland over the offseason, with Harris arrested and booked with DWI. The case wrapped up weeks ago, with a judge sentencing Harris to a year probation, but without a guilty verdict. Harris' plea in the case remains "not guilty."
It's unknown whether Harris' appeal holds water, but in similar instances the league has lessened suspensions even if without removing them entirely. That was the case with Willie Snead before the 20xx season, with the wide receiver initially handed a 4-game suspension before he was ultimately held out for three games.
Even if the appeal proves fruitless, it could allow Harris to play in Week 13 against the Cowboys. The timeline is significant with several key Saints playmakers battling injury. That includes running backs Alvin Kamara and Mark Ingram, neither of whom saw the field in a 31-6 beatdown by the Bills on Thanksgiving.
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