The Cleveland Browns and wide receiver Josh Gordon are waiting to hear what the result of the appeal hearing is, but they’re reportedly bracing for an eight-game ban at the minimum. That would be a reduction in the initial season long penalty assessed.
From Cleveland Plain Dealer:
"The Browns are bracing themselves for at least an eight-game suspension for receiver Josh Gordon, league sources told cleveland.com."
But with the appeals process, if a ruling is made there are only two options: Gordon being cleared or he’ll be suspended from the league for at least a year. The only way to get to that eight game number is a for both sides to reach a settlement.
"But the two sides can also hammer out a settlement, and that’s what the Browns are hoping for. Realistically, the best-case scenario would probably be about eight games, a source said."
Initial reports said that a ruling would take one to three weeks to come about, giving the sides time to hammer out a deal.
“As frustrating as it is for Josh, I think he’s handled it well,” said coach Mike Pettine. “He’s been practicing hard, giving good effort, finishing plays. Assuming if we don’t hear anything, then he’ll be out there Saturday.”
Gordon has been practicing and doing well though, according to receivers coach Mike McDaniel.
“To his credit, he’s been very, very good about coming into work and making it about football,” McDaniel said. “In his mind, he wants to be as good as there is, so when you’re showing plays of other people at his position doing things that he hasn’t put in his game yet, he’s interested and very competitive to work on that. I’ve had no qualms about how he’s worked with me.”