Bears' Jeremiah Ratliff Suspended For 3 Games For Violating Substance Abuse Policy

(CBS) Bears defensive lineman Jeremiah Ratliff has been suspended without pay for the first three games of the regular season for violating the NFL's policy and program for substances of abuse, the league announced Monday.

The suspension stems from Ratliff pleading guilty in April to a DWI charge from January 2013, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported. Ratliff won't appeal the suspension, he said after Monday's practice.

"Just move on," Ratliff said. "There's a lot of things I could be doing to help myself, help the team. That's what I'm going to focus on. This was two or three years ago. This is all behind me. This is the result of it, and I'm just moving forward from here."

"We've been down this road (on an appeal) with the NFL, they don't care to hear it. So be it."

Asked if he thought his suspension length was fair, Ratliff was non-committal.

"Honestly, it doesn't matter what I think, does it?" Ratliff said. "The results are the results. Like I said before man, it's all about getting better ... keep working, keep being busy and staying focused.

Ratliff will be eligible to return for the Bears' game against the Raiders on Oct. 4. He remains eligible to participate in preseason practices and games.

The Bears and Ratliff had been aware that the suspension was coming at some point because it stemmed from so long ago, and they expected it to be around a three-game suspension, coach John Fox said.

"It's tough to sit out any game for any reason," said Ratliff, who added he "kind of forgot about" the suspension coming.

"Then today, here it is," Ratliff said.

Ratliff's suspension will come as the Bears face a brutal three-game stretch to open the season, as they play the Packers, Cardinals and Seahawks.

Ratliff, 33, is a starter on the Bears' defensive line and has been one of the defense's best players when healthy. He had 6.5 sacks in 11 games for Chicago last season. He was a Pro Bowler while with Dallas in 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011.

Rookie defensive tackle Eddie Goldman will be expected to step up even more in Ratliff's absence.

"He's had a good camp," Fox said. "He's still learning, it's a new level ... I like what I've seen. He's stout. I think he's learning to transition faster, recognizing the run and the pass, the difference. He's a big body that pushes the pocket. I like where he's headed."