(ALLEN PARK) – Detroit Lions safety Jayron Kearse has been suspended three games by the NFL for violation of its substance abuse policy. Kearse, 26, signed with the Lions in March after four seasons in Minnesota, where he played in 62 games with five starts, making 79 tackles and defending eight passes. Kearse was charged with DWI and carrying a firearm without a permit last October, when he was with the Vikings. Kearse apologized for his actions back in October, saying the arrest is "not a reflection of who I am as a person." The NFL has not said whether this suspension is related to that October arrest. Lions coach Matt Patricia says the team was aware of the situation in free agency and vetted it. He says they talked with Kearse and felt comfortable with him and the situation. Patricia says they knew it was something that was coming. He says it's a league matter and left it at that. Kearse is eligible to return Sept. 28 after the team's game at Arizona.