Cleveland Browns wide receiver Josh Gordon is facing a yearlong suspension from the NFL for a violation of the league’s substance abuse policy, but he is appealing the suspension in hopes of returning to the field this season.
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The NFL tests two separate samples when conducting a league-administered drug test, and if the league would have labeled the samples differently, Gordon would never have tested positive for marijuana.
He is blaming his positive test on second-hand smoke.
According to Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer, the Browns do not feel confident that Gordon will avoid a suspension.
Instead, they are anticipating an eight-game suspension.
If that is the case, then the NFL and NFLPA must have worked out a settlement.
It would be great news for the Browns, who would get their top receiver back for the home stretch of the season, and it would also be great news for fantasy football owners who were planning on drafting Gordon in the middle rounds with a flier for later on in the season.
Gordon is one of the most talented wide receivers in the league, so if he only misses half of the season it would be great for the Browns and NFL fans alike.