PITTSBURGH,None — The New York Jets sure know how to make headlines. In their latest big move of a busy offseason, the New York Jets acquired talented but troubled wide receiver Santonio Holmes from the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday night for a fifth-round pick in this month's draft, according to a person familiar with the deal.
VIDEO: Steelers Fans React To Holmes Trade
However, the newly acquired wide receiver has been suspended without pay by the NFL for the first four regular-season games for violating the league's substance abuse policy.
The league announced the suspension Monday.
Holmes is eligible to participate in the team's offseason program and in all preseason practices and games.
Holmes, the 2009 Super Bowl MVP, gives second-year quarterback Mark Sanchez another big-time target to throw to in an offense that already included receivers Braylon Edwards, Jerricho Cotchery, promising tight end Dustin Keller and recently signed running back LaDainian Tomlinson.
Holmes has 235 career catches for 3,835 yards and 20 touchdowns, but also brings his share of off-field issues, which could explain the relatively low price the Jets paid to get him.
flickr.com Santonio Holmes Santonio Holmes
The 26-year-old Holmes is facing a civil lawsuit in Florida from a woman who claims he threw a glass at her, cutting her above the eye, in an Orlando nightclub. The police also have been investigating the woman's claims. Holmes denies hurting the woman, and a witness has since taken responsibility for tossing the glass, according to Holmes' lawyer.
In 2008, Holmes was arrested for possession of marijuana, and he was involved in a domestic violence incident in 2006 . The misdemeanor charges were dismissed.
Fans in Pittsburgh said the Steelers should have kept Holmes.
"He's an excellent player," said Steve Marshall of Pittsburgh. "Just because he has personal problems -- everybody has personal problems. Look at (Ben) Roethlisberger. You know what I mean?"
He's not the only person in the NFL who has had issues with off-the-field experiences," said Butler resident Marlo Hill. "And I think if they're going to trade one person, I think it should be enforced for everyone. I mean, there's so many other players that have been -- you know, there's been speculation of off-the-field activity and I don't think it's fair they pick and choose who they want to trade."
The 5-foot-11 Holmes, a first-round pick out of Ohio State in 2006, adds a speedy complement to the Jets' passing game. He's coming off the best season of his career statistically, after having 79 catches for 1,248 yards and five touchdowns. His presence should allow Cotchery to assume more of a slot role, where he is extremely effective, and take double coverage off Edwards.
Holmes has one year remaining on his contract.
"Wow we got Holmes this is crazy," All-Pro cornerback Darrelle Revis posted on his Twitter account. "We makin big moves this off-season. Putting the pieces together to get closer to that superbowl ring."
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