Report: Packers' Pennel to serve 4-game ban after settling lawsuit

Green Bay Packers defensive lineman Mike Pennel will serve a four-game suspension for a second violation of the NFL's substance-abuse policy after settling his lawsuit with the league and NFLPA, sources told NFL Network's Mike Garafolo.

Pennel was suspended for the first four games of the season and said he received a letter from the NFL on Nov. 8 informing him of another violation.

The 25-year-old reportedly appealed the discipline on the basis that arbitrator James Carter held a conflict of interest, as well as the fact the NFL only had two arbitrators available for the appeal, even though the policy states three-to-five arbitrators are needed.

He'll serve his ban over the last four regular-season games, and will be eligible for the postseason, adds Garafolo. He reportedly would've been suspended for the rest of this season and the majority of next season, if not for the settlement.