Miami Dolphins guard Richie Incognito is to continue to serve a suspension following an incident involving a racial voicemail slur against teammate Jonathan Martin, after a suspension-with-pay deal was agreed.
NFL rules would have originally prevented the Dolphins from suspending Incognito beyond four games without payment.
However, the new agreement, approved by both the NFL and NFL Players Association, will ensure that Incognito remains suspended as he will now be paid while an investigation into the incident continues.
The player was originally suspended on November 3 for conduct detrimental to the team after a phone message apparently threatening violent actions against Martin was heard.