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Barnett said Wednesday the NFL initially suspended him for the first game — against Minnesota on “Monday Night Football” — after reviewing his involvement in a June 2007 altercation at an Appleton nightclub.
Barnett was initially charged with two counts criminal disorderly conduct but completed a deferred prosecution program as part of a guilty plea that resulted in a conviction on a single civil count of disorderly conduct. That left Barnett with fines and court costs of $753 to pay but no criminal record.
However, by agreeing to the plea, Barnett subjected himself to the NFL’s personal-conduct policy, and in early July, the league decided on a one-game suspension. Barnett appealed and went to the league office in New York about two weeks before camp opened, and the league reduced the penalty to a fine of one game check — 1/17th of his $2 million base salary, or $117,647.
“I didn’t expect (a suspension). I expected a fine,” Barnett said after practice Wednesday. “I was just looking at the past history of things that have happened (with other players) and what the disciplinary actions were. There’s been a lot more violent situations. But they have to do what they have to do.”
“I get to play Monday night. Pockets are a little lighter, but I still get to play.”
Barnett said he would advise teammate Johnny Jolly, who could be subject to a fine or suspension in the wake of his July arrest for felony drug possession in Houston, to clarify with the NFL what any plea agreement might mean before agreeing to one.
Jolly refused to discuss his case or what advice Barnett gave him.
Extra points: Defensive end Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila (knee) practiced for the first time since the first week of camp and could play Friday. Tight end Tory Humphrey (Achilles’ tendon) practiced and could play. ... With Wells out and left tackle Chad Clifton back in action, the first unit offensive line consisted of, from left to right, Clifton, Daryn Colledge, Jason Spitz, Josh Sitton and Mark Tauscher. That figures to be the starting unit Friday. ... Quarterback Aaron Rodgers’ training-camp ritual — strange facial hair — continues. He’s gone from scraggly, unkempt beard to something he found on beards.org called “friendly mutton chops,” with a cheesy mustache up next. “This is a tribute to the Civil War generals from the mid-to-late 19th century,” Rodgers said of the current look. “In training camp, you’ve got to do anything you can to make yourself laugh.” ... Offensive coordinator Joe Philbin was back following the death of his father-in-law. CB Joe Porter returned to practice as well.
