More NFL Drug Suspensions Bring Total to 14

The National Football League Friday banned Pro Bowl defensive end Bruce Smith of the Buffalo Bills and wide receiver John Taylor of the San Francisco 49ers for 30 days each for violating the league’s drug-abuse policy. That brings the number of players suspended this summer for using drugs to 14.

The NFL did not specify the substance used. The decision on whether to pay the players during the period is up to each team.

The players are barred from their teams’ training facilities until Oct. 2 and have been put on the non-football illness list.

Smith, the first player taken in the 1985 draft, was voted the most valuable player in last February’s Pro Bowl. He had 12 sacks last season and has 33 1/2 in his career.

Bill Polian, the Bills’ general manager, dismissed questions about the effect of the suspension on the team.

“We’re talking about a guy’s health here,” he said.

Taylor caught nine passes last year in his rookie season and was expected to be the 49ers’ main kick and punt returner as well as a top wide receiver. His development in training camp was one of the main reasons for the release of Dokie Williams, who had been obtained in an off-season trade with the Raiders.

Another 49er, running back Doug DuBose, and another Bill, running back Robb Riddick, were among seven NFL players who returned to training camps this week after 30-day suspensions for the same violation.