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Former Buffalo Bills running back Marshawn Lynch was arrested over the weekend for suspicion of Driving Under the Influence. The current Seattle Seahawks running back was traded during the 2010 season in a move derided by many fans at the time. Lynch's hard-running style was seen as an asset, but his off-the-field problems couldn't be overlooked by new GM Buddy Nix.
In 2008, Lynch pled guilty to a hit-and-run accident in Buffalo where he struck a person with his vehicle. In 2009, he pled guilty to a gun charge in Los Angeles. That second run-in with the law earned him a three-game suspension by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell. If the past gives us any indication, Lynch will be facing a much larger suspension this time.
That fear of further problems is what led the Bills to trade Lynch in 2010. The team had established veteran Fred Jackson and newly-drafted "water bug" C.J. Spiller to handle the running back duties. Buffalo received a 2011 fourth-round selection and a 2012 fifth-rounder in exchange for the bruiser. The Bills added possible starting left tackle Chris Hairston and linebacker Tank Carder with those two picks."We are aware of the situation with Marshawn and are still gathering information," said the Seahawks in a statement.
It should be noted that the Bills have had just one player arrest since Nix and head coach Chan Gailey took over the team. Fringe wide receiver Paul Hubbard was arrested one year ago for DWI, and was promptly released a month later.
Lynch signed a four-year contract worth $31 million with $18 million guaranteed earlier this off-season. It's unlikely the suspension or any legal action will affect Lynch's ability to play for the Seahawks against the Bills in Toronto on December 16. You can (respectfully) join the conversation over at SB Nation's Seahawks' blog, Field Gulls, if you'd like.