Steelers CB Cameron Sutton suspended for 8 games by NFL after domestic violence incident

Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Cameron Sutton will miss nearly half of the 2024 regular season because of his involvement in an alleged domestic violence incident that resulted in criminal charges.

The NFL announced Monday that Sutton, who returned to the Steelers in June after spending last season in Detroit, has been suspended for eight games for violating the league’s conduct rules.

Sutton’s suspension is in effect until the Steelers’ game against the New York Giants on October 28. After their week off, the Steelers will play at the Washington Commanders in Week 10 on November 10.

Sutton was charged following an incident in Hillsborough County, Florida, in March that resulted in a warrant for his arrest for domestic violence against his girlfriend. He was accused of domestic violence by strangulation in the early hours of March 7. The third-degree crime is punishable by up to five years in prison.

When the assault charge became public, the Lions released Sutton, who evaded police for several weeks before turning himself in to the county sheriff’s office on March 31. Sutton was released on bail and prosecutors reduced the charge to assault.

On April 8, Sutton entered a pre-trial diversion program to resolve the case. As a condition of the program, he was required to undergo a psychiatric evaluation.

The Steelers signed Sutton to a one-year contract on June 5, and he spoke to reporters after his first practice with the team.

“Everyone is hit with adversity in life,” Sutton said. “It’s about how you deal with it and how you live through those stages and knowing who you are personally and not letting someone else dim the light for you.”

Sutton said he was willing to accept the threatened penalty from the NFL.

“We’ve communicated, but I can’t discuss much legally or with the league,” Sutton said. “Whatever it takes, we’re willing to go in that direction.”

Coach Mike Tomlin said the Steelers had investigated the matter “with due diligence” and would bring Sutton back without concerns.

Sutton’s eight-game suspension matches the punishment given to former Steelers receiver Antonio Brown, who sat out the first half of the 2020 season for violating the rules of conduct. The Steelers traded Brown after the 2018 season.

Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger was suspended for the first six games of the 2010 season after two women accused him of sexual harassment. Roethlisberger appealed and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell reduced the suspension to four games.

Sutton spent his first six seasons with the Steelers, starting at outside cornerback in 2021 and 2022. The Lions lured Sutton to Detroit with a three-year, $33 million contract, and in his only season in the Motor City, he started all 17 games.

The Steelers brought Sutton back despite his legal issues because of his experience in the secondary, where he also played in nickel and dime packages. Sutton has started 56 times in his 101 appearances.

Joey Porter Jr. and Donte Jackson will start at outside corner for the Steelers this season, so Sutton will have to compete for playing time as a slot cornerback.