Browns wide receiver Josh Gordon meeting with NFL for hearing on possible drug suspension

8/1/2014

BEREA, Ohio — As his teammates sweated through another training camp practice, Josh Gordon was in a New York office building where his career — and Cleveland’s season — were in jeopardy.

Gordon met Friday with NFL officials to appeal a possible indefinite suspension for violating the league’s substance abuse policy. Gordon’s attorney, Maurice Suh, is expected to argue that Gordon tested positive for marijuana because of secondhand smoke, a defense they planned to enhance with witnesses.

Gordon has not been at training camp the past two days. Cleveland coach Mike Pettine said he didn’t know if the Pro Bowler will be on the field for Saturday’s scrimmage in Akron.

The Browns are eager to resolve the matter. Gordon is the team’s top playmaker and led the league in yards receiving last season.

Commissioner Roger Goodell, speaking at the Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio, said a decision will be based on the information at the hearing.

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

Gordon was suspended two games last season for a drug violation.

Separate from his appeal, Gordon could still face league discipline under the league’s personal-conduct policy for his arrest last month on a DUI charge in Raleigh, North Carolina.