Browns wide receiver Josh Gordon loses appeal, suspended one year by NFL
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Version 0 of 1. Cleveland Browns wide receiver Josh Gordon has learned when and for how long he will be suspended by the NFL: Gordon will miss the entire season. The league announced that it had denied Gordon’s appeal of a year-long suspension for violating the NFL’s substance-abuse policy and the punishment takes effect immediately. Gordon cannot practice with the team or attend team meetings and functions. In a bit of a deviation from the substance-abuse policy, arbitrator Harold Henderson determined that Gordon can apply for reinstatement after the 2014 season, rather than serving a full one-year suspension. “I’d like to apologize to my teammates, coaches, the Cleveland Browns organization and our fans,” Gordon said in a statement distributed by the NFL Players Association. “I am very disappointed that the NFL and its hearing office didn’t exercise better discretion and judgment in my case. I would like to sincerely thank the people who have been incredibly supportive of me during this challenging time, including my family, my agent, my union, my legal team, and the Cleveland Browns staff.” Gordon, who led the NFL in receiving yards with 1,646 over 14 games last season, was suspended for two games and forfeited four game checks for failing a drug test — which was at least his second violation of league policy. Gordon said he accidentally took cough syrup containing codeine. Although the NFL does not release details of failed drug tests, Cleveland.com reports that Gordon tested positive for marijuana use and learned that he would be suspended months ago. He appealed Aug. 1, with his lawyers arguing that second-hand smoke contributed to his positive test. They also argued that the A and B specimens of the test were inconsistent. NFL suspensions are rarely overturned on appeal, though. The suspension already has reignited the debate over how the NFL determines penalties, particularly because of the two-game suspension given the Baltimore Ravens’ Ray Rice for a domestic incident. Punishment is part of the collective bargaining agreement, though, so changes will have to be negotiated. “Josh Gordon” and “Ray Rice” are currently trending. “But we’re increasing the penalties for domestic violence, folks!” — ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) August 27, 2014 “Josh Gordon” and “Ray Rice” are currently trending. “But we’re increasing the penalties for domestic violence, folks!” — ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) August 27, 2014 Kudos to the NFL for holding firm on Josh Gordon’s horrifying offense of being near marijuana. Can’t wait to watch Ray Rice in week 3! — Ken Tremendous (@KenTremendous) August 27, 2014 Kudos to the NFL for holding firm on Josh Gordon’s horrifying offense of being near marijuana. Can’t wait to watch Ray Rice in week 3! — Ken Tremendous (@KenTremendous) August 27, 2014 So the @nflcommish will also ban Jim Irsay for one year, too. Right? Right?? #FreeJoshGordon — Ken Prendergast (@KennyPeepers) August 27, 2014 So the @nflcommish will also ban Jim Irsay for one year, too. Right? Right?? #FreeJoshGordon — Ken Prendergast (@KennyPeepers) August 27, 2014 There were 12 WRs taken in the first two rounds, most in common draft era(1967) Browns knew this was coming draft weekend & didn’t draft any — trey wingo (@wingoz) August 27, 2014 There were 12 WRs taken in the first two rounds, most in common draft era(1967) Browns knew this was coming draft weekend & didn’t draft any — trey wingo (@wingoz) August 27, 2014 There were 12 WRs taken in the first two rounds, most in common draft era(1967) Browns knew this was coming draft weekend & didn’t draft any — trey wingo (@wingoz) August 27, 2014 There were 12 WRs taken in the first two rounds, most in common draft era(1967) Browns knew this was coming draft weekend & didn’t draft any — trey wingo (@wingoz) August 27, 2014 |