NEW YORK — Former Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Odell Thurman has been suspended indefinitely by the NFL for violating its substance-abuse policy and will miss the 2008 season.

Under terms of the suspension, the free agent will not be considered for reinstatement until after the season, NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said today.

It's the third consecutive season Thurman will miss.

Thurman was suspended by commissioner Roger Goodell the last two seasons after he skipped a drug test, was arrested for drunken driving and failed to meet the league's expectations for reinstatement.

He was allowed to resume working out at Paul Brown Stadium in January and was fully reinstated April 21. The Bengals released him last month.