THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

NEW YORK -- Buffalo Bills running back Marshawn Lynch's three-game suspension for violating the NFL's personal conduct policy will stand.

The league announced that Lynch's appeal was denied in a statement released Monday afternoon.

Lynch is eligible to return after the Bills play the New Orleans Saints in their third regular-season game.

Lynch, who rushed for more than 1,000 yards in each of his two seasons with the Bills, will be allowed to participate in all pre-season practices and games before Sept. 5.

Lynch pleaded guilty in March to a misdemeanour gun charge in Los Angeles. He was sentenced to 80 hours of community service and three years probation.