Baltimore Ravens safety Christian Thompson has been suspended for four games without pay for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy according to Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun. Thompson was a fourth round pick out of South Carolina State in 2012 and appeared in seven games last season, primarily on special teams. He recorded no tackles as a rookie before ending the season on injured reserve with a knee injury. Thompson was expected to compete for a starting spot in 2013 after the departure of veteran safeties Ed Reed and Bernard Pollard. The NFL suspension will cost Thompson $112,941 of his $480,000 base salary, through the loss of four $28,235 game checks. "We have been aware of this situation for some time," Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome said in a statement. Thompson is eligible to participate in all preseason practices and games. Source: The Redzone
