NEW YORK — Newly acquired Jets wide receiver Santonio Holmes was suspended without pay by the NFL for the first four regular-season games for violating the league's substance abuse policy.

The league announced the suspension today, a day after the Jets acquired the talented but troubled Holmes from the Pittsburgh Steelers for a fifth-round pick in this month's draft.

Holmes is eligible to participate in the team's offseason program and in all preseason practices and games.

The 26-year-old Holmes is coming off his best season, with 79 catches for 1,248 yards and five touchdowns.

He also is facing a lawsuit in Florida from a woman who claims he threw a glass at her. A witness has since taken responsibility, according to Holmes' lawyer.

By The Associated Press