The Cleveland Browns will be without their top receiver in 2014 after the league announced Josh Gordon would be suspended for the entire season for violating the league’s substance abuse policy.
FOX Sports’ Mike Garafolo first broke the news Wednesday.
Gordon and the Browns have been faced with uncertainty for months now, since it was learned that he tested positive for a drug test and was facing a lengthy suspension. Gordon appealed the suspension on Aug. 1, on the grounds that the positive test was due to second-hand marijuana smoke, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
But the league denied Gordon’s appeal Wednesday. The suspension is effective immediately and Gordon will be able to apply for reinstatement in one year.
“I’d like to apologize to my teammates, coaches, the Cleveland Browns organization and our fans,” Gordon said in a statement through the NFLPA. “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 league in receiving yards with 1,646 last season, was suspended two games for failing a drug test in 2013. The 23-year-old claimed codeine that was in his cough medicine was the reason for the positive test in that instance.
