Josh Gordon appeal ruling with NFL not expected until Monday

Friday, embattled Cleveland Browns wide receiver Josh Gordon is not a practice with the team, rather he’s finally at his appeal hearing with the NFL, where he is arguing his case against the one-year suspension that he faces for multiple failed drug tests. Now we’re finding out that it might be a few days until we hear any word on the ruling.

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For those that were expecting a decision some time on Friday, you can more or less forget that idea, because Tony Grossi of ESPN Cleveland is reporting that commissioner Roger Goodell will not make a final ruling until this Monday at the earliest, after the upcoming Hall of Fame festivities in Canton are complete.

In speaking to the media on Friday in Canton, Goodell told everyone that he has nothing to do with the process that Gordon is facing, but he might butt in at some point.

“Josh is going through the process right now.” Goodell said. “I am not a part of that process. At some point in time, I may have an opportunity to be involved. When I am, I look forward to meeting with him.”

Well he will, at least, be a small part of the process come Monday when he has to announce a final decision, or at least consult on it. And given the controversy the Ray Rice ruling has created, he had better watch what ultimately comes of this.