Chiefs linebacker Tamba Hali has been suspended by the NFL for the first game of the season for violating its policy on substance abuse.

Hali will miss the Sept. 9 game against the Falcons without pay. He was also fined an additional game check.

"I apologize to my teammates, the Hunt family, the Kansas City Chiefs organization and most importantly, our fans," Hali said in a statement.

"I accept the discipline from the league and will return Week 2 of the NFL season with a commitment to erase this mistake with my play on the field and my conduct off of it."