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Willie Snead will be suspended for the first three games of the season. Head coach Sean Payton confirmed the news Friday afternoon.

According to the New Orleans Advocate, the suspension stems from Snead being arrested on the morning of June 11 on allegations of drunk driving.

"We are aware of it, on top of it and that will factor into how we go into planning the early part of this season," Payton said. "Obviously it’s unfortunate, and I think knowing Willie, a bit surprising. So we kind of go from there."

Snead is due for a hearing at 1st Jefferson Parish Court in Metairie that is tentatively scheduled for Sept. 11, the same day New Orleans opens its season against the Vikings.

"I am truly disappointed (and) embarrassed by my actions that have lead to this decision," Snead said in a statement, later adding that "I can't change what happened, but I can make sure that this never happens again. I won't let this careless act define my career in the NFL or in life. ..."

The news is a big hit for the Saints, as they'll now be without one of their top receivers for games against the Minnesota Vikings, New England Patriots and Carolina Panthers.

Snead caught 72 passes for 895 yards with four touchdowns over 15 games last season. Snead will not count against the 53-man roster and will be placed on a reserve list.

Without him, Ted Ginn will start opposite Michael Thomas and the Saints could turn to Brandon Coleman to play a bigger role, though he doesn't typically operate out of the slot. It could potentially create an opportunity for Tommylee Lewis to make the team and potentially have a bigger role early in the year after only making seven receptions for 76 yards last season. It could help Travaris Cadet, who split out on 81 plays last season and made 12 receptions from the slot. He enters the final cuts on the bubble.