FRISCO, Texas (AP) - Dallas Cowboys defensive lineman David Irving has been suspended four games for violating the NFL's substance-abuse policy, the second straight year the pass rusher is facing a ban to start the season.

The punishment announced Friday will not keep Irving from participating in training camp starting next month in California. The 24-year-old Irving's four-game suspension to start last season was for violating league policy on performance enhancers.

Irving was away from the Cowboys most of the offseason tending to personal issues before showing up for the mandatory three-day minicamp that ended Thursday. A former girlfriend accused Irving of domestic abuse before recanting in April in a case that didn't lead to charges.

After last season's suspension, Irving had seven sacks in eight games before sustaining a concussion that kept him out the remaining four games. He has 11 sacks in 35 games over three seasons for Dallas. The first game he is eligible for is Oct. 7 at Houston.