SANTA CLARA, Calif. -- San Francisco 49ers defensive lineman Demarcus Dobbs said he agrees with the NFL's decision to suspend him for one game without pay for a violation of the NFL's substance-abuse policy that happened last season.
Dobbs, who must sit out the 49ers' season opener against the Green Bay Packers, said he has known for about a month that he still might face the suspension.
Dobbs was arrested Nov. 30 -- his 25th birthday -- for suspicion of driving under the influence and possession of marijuana.
"The league decided to take action on it and they felt this punishment was fit, and I agree with it," Dobbs said after practice Wednesday night. "I've got to deal with my consequences, can't complain about it or do much about it now."
"The San Francisco 49ers organization supports the NFL's code of conduct policy and their recent decision regarding Demarcus," general manager Trent Baalke said in a statement released by the team.
Dobbs' position coach, Jim Tomsula, said he had spoken with the lineman, who participated in practice Wednesday.
"The guy made a mistake, so once you make a mistake, you stand up, you own it, and that's what he's done," Tomsula said. "I'm not by any means saying what happened was right, but the way he's handled it since he made a mistake has been straight up. I feel really good about that."
The California Highway Patrol said Dobbs was involved in a single-car accident in which he hit a chain-link fence and a bush but didn't sustain any injuries. Dobbs later expressed how sorry he was, and lucky, too.
More than a week after Dobbs' incident, Dallas Cowboys linebacker Jerry Brown died in a Dec. 8 accident in which defensive lineman and teammate Josh Brent was the driver. Brent is charged with intoxication manslaughter.
"I learned a lot from that situation, and I have no intention of repeating it," Dobbs said Wednesday. "It's unfortunate with the Dallas thing and everything. I feel like I have a second chance to go on with this life I have and this career."
The third-year pro out of Georgia, who signed as an undrafted free agent in July 2011, had three tackles in 12 games last year. He played primarily on special teams.
Copyright 2013 by The Associated Press
