Former Washington Command athletics coach Ryan Vermillion has entered into a deferred prosecution agreement in US District Court in Virginia stemming from an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, according to a statement. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. Under the settlement, the United States District Court released a statement about the facts gathered from the 10-month investigation.
Vermillion avoids federal charges of any kind as long as he meets certain conditions over the next 12 months. He must also pay a $10,000 fine within eight months.
Last October, federal agents conducted a search warrant at the headquarters of Washington Command in Loudoun County, Virginia, as well as the nearby home of Vermillion. The commanders placed Vermillion on administrative leave soon after.
Commander Ron Rivera’s Head Coach release a statement after Vermillion’s plea agreement.
“Ryan’s job has been terminated. I want to emphasize that the US Government has confirmed from the very beginning that it views this organization as a witness, not as a subject or target of an investigation.”
Among the facts released by the United States Attorney’s Office obtained by Michael Phillips of Richmond Times-Dispatch, Vermillion forged and obtained prescriptions for the players to use when drugs were not prescribed, such as oxycodone. Vermillion also stores oxycodone for later use.
He also brings prescription drugs to road games and gives them to players, which violates state law and NFL policy that requires prescription drugs to be supplied by a local physician.
NFL and NFLPA released a joint statement said Vermillion has been suspended indefinitely by the federation. He can apply for reinstatement after a year.
Additionally, the league and the players union will conduct a joint investigation to determine whether the Commanders are in compliance with the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program, under the current collective bargaining agreement. The commanders “have pledged their full support and cooperation.”
While Vermillion’s contract termination was not confirmed on Friday, Washington replace him with Al Bellamy as their new sports coach.
