Football
Associated Press 19y

MLS says Buddle will not play until cleared by doctors

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Columbus Crew forward Edson Buddle, who
pleaded guilty to drunken driving this week, is being held out of
games by Major League Soccer because he violated its substance
abuse and behavioral health policy.

MLS spokesman Simon Borg said Buddle has not been suspended and
declined to say what he did to violate the policy. Buddle will not
be allowed to play until he is cleared by doctors, the league said
in a release Friday.

Buddle, 24, pleaded guilty Friday in Franklin County Municipal
Court to a charge of drunken driving. Four other charges were
dismissed. He was fined $599 and his license was suspended.

Columbus police pulled Buddle over on July 31 and he refused to
take a Breathalyzer test.

"Our first priority and primary concern is Edson's health and
well-being," Crew general manager Mark McCullers said in a release
Friday. "We look forward to him returning to the team as soon as
possible."

Buddle leads the Crew with five goals this season.

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