Mike Hall started the 2024 season on the commissioner’s exempt list while a league investigation into a domestic violence incident took place. That process has now concluded.
The Browns rookie received a five-game suspension on Tuesday for violating the league’s personal conduct policy. As NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport notes, however, games spent on the exempt list count toward any suspensions levied by the league. For all intents and purposes, therefore, Tuesday’s news constitutes a one-game ban.
Hall was arrested in August on domestic violence charges. The NFL typically places players in that situation on the exempt list before a final decision with respect to discipline is made.
Hall’s legal situation was resolved in September; the 21-year-old entered a no contest plea to a lesser charge of disorderly conduct. His fiancée (the victim of the incident) had a protective order against Hall removed.
The Ohio State product was sidelined for Cleveland’s first four contests, and that will remain the case for the team’s upcoming game. After that point, though, he will be eligible for reinstatement. Hall could make his debut in Week 6 against the Eagles. When he is back in the fold, he will aim to provide depth along the Browns’ defensive interior.
The team’s top choice in April’s draft (No. 54 overall), Hall established himself as one of the top D-line prospects in the 2024 class. He could carve out a rotational role early in his rookie season as the 1-3 Browns look to rebound from an underwhelming start in a number of categories.
The team ranks 19th against the run, an area in which Hall could provide reinforcements upon being reinstated.
