In the last few days, optimism has brewed in regards to Cleveland Brown’s wide receiver Josh Gordon possibly having his year-long suspension lifted due to the ongoing discussions between the NFL and NFL Players Association in regards to reforming the drug policy.
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Yesterday, the NFLPA had the opportunity to officially vote on the changes, but backed out due to disagreements on semantics. Despite the Players Association not voting–could be voted for in the coming weeks or in 2015, Albert Breer and Ian Rapoport of NFL.com report the two sides have basically agreed on three things pertaining to the drug policy, the third affecting how Josh Gordon’s 2014 season could play out the most.
"Though all aspects of the negotiation are fluid, there has been basic agreement in other areas:1) There would be reform in marijuana testing. The threshold for the A sample is expected to be raised from 15ng/ml to match normal workplace standards in other businesses. Also, the first suspension for marijuana would be two games, rather than four.2) Offseason violations for amphetamines would move from the policy on performance enhancing drugs to substances of abuse.3) There would be reassessment of penalties already levied on players for drug violations during the 2014 league year."
While Gordon’s suspension was doled out close to the 2014 season, his second violation of the league’s substance abuse policy occurred last year, not exactly fitting the window described above.
Players that could have their suspension expunged due to the particular time frame set in this agreement would include Wes Welker (DEN) and Orlando Scandrick (DAL), both whom were suspended four games due to violating the substance abuse policy for the first time in their careers.
It’s unfortunate news if Gordon is forced to sit out the remainder of the season, but the rules were set in stone when he violated them, and he was fully aware of his punishment before committing the act which got him in trouble.