Packers Blog The Journal Sentinel's team of Packers beat writers provide the latest news, notes and analysis SHARE

By of the

Johnny Jolly was sentenced to 6 years in prison for violating probation on a drug charge Thursday, according to the AP.

In October, the suspended Green Bay Packers defensive end was charged with possession of a compound containing codeine and tampering with evidence on a traffic stop. This was a violation of the terms of his April probation that kept Jolly out of jail.

The Green Bay Packers defensive end is suspended by the NFL indefinitely in July 2011. He did not play last season after starting for the Packers in 2008 and 2009.

Houston television station KTRK reports that Jolly could be eligible for parole in 14 months.

Judge Denise Bradley sentenced Jolly after his tearful plea for another chance.

"I want to go to rehab to get help," Jolly said per KTRK. "I don't want to go to prison. I lost everything I've gained. I just want peace back in my life."

After the sentence, Jolly's mother, Phyllis, reportedly screamed.

In 4 seasons with the Packers, the former sixth-round pick had 113 tackles and 2 sacks. His sudden departure after the '09 season left a void the team is still coping with.