Packers release Koren Robinson

GREEN BAY, Wis. — The Green Bay Packers released Koren Robinson on Friday, the latest setback for the veteran wide receiver trying to resurrect his career after serving an NFL suspension and jail time.

Not long after Green Bay signed the 6-foot-2, 205-pound Robinson in 2006, the league suspended him for a year for alcohol-related problems.

He sought treatment that included attending Alcoholics Anonymous meetings and taking a drug that would make him sick if he drank alcohol again.

When he was reinstated to the league he appeared to have put his troubles behind him. Teammates said they were impressed by his work ethic and his obvious efforts to stay clean.

The 28-year-old Robinson also won the support of Brett Favre, who has acknowledged his own history of substance abuse. In a public plea to league officials on behalf of Robinson in 2007, Favre suggested Robinson's comeback could help the league move past the negative publicity from other players' legal problems.

"I think he's done everything he's been asked to do, and it's time to set a good example — that you can resurrect not only your career, but your life," Favre said at that time.

The Packers gave him an opportunity, and he responded with 21 catches for 241 yards and one touchdown in nine games last season. He was also second on the team with 25 kickoff returns for 596 yards.

Robinson, who starred at North Carolina State, previously played four seasons with the Seattle Seahawks and one with the Minnesota Vikings.

He was suspended four games for violating the league's substance abuse policy in 2004 and pleaded guilty to driving under the influence in 2005. He also led police on an alcohol-fueled high-speed car chase in Minnesota in 2006, which resulted in jail time and prompted the Vikings to cut him.

Messages left on Robinson's cell phone and with his agent, Alvin Keels, were not immediately returned.

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