Bills star DT Marcell Dareus says he'll enter rehab facility

Buffalo Bills defensive tackle Marcell Dareus’ latest suspension might have been a wake-up call.

Dareus, who was suspended for the first four games of the regular season for violating the NFL’s substance-abuse policy, announced through the Bills on Saturday that he will enter a rehabilitation facility.

“After careful consideration of recent events within my life, I have made the decision to enter a rehabilitation facility,” Dareus said in a statement. “I feel this is the best decision for me, my family and my teammates as I move forward with my career. I appreciate the support of my teammates and the Bills organization through this process.”

The Bills said: “We are fully supportive of Marcell and this decision to take the time he needs to seek treatment.”

Dareus was going to miss the first four games of the regular season due to the suspension, but there was no timeline set for his return to the team.

Dareus was suspended a game last year, after an arrest in May of 2014 for possession of a controlled substance and drug paraphernalia. Dareus’ latest suspension was announced on Aug. 16. The Bills released a statement in which they expressed they were “very disappointed” that Dareus “chose to put himself first.”

Dareus is one of the highest-paid defenders in the league. Last year he signed a six-year deal worth a little more than $96.5 million, with $60 million guaranteed.