Browns receiver Gordon suspended for 2 games

6/8/2013
BLADE STAFF AND NEWS SERVICES

BEREA, Ohio — Receiver Josh Gordon was suspended without pay for the first two games next season for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy, the second year in a row that the Cleveland Browns will be missing a key player because of a drug-related punishment.

Gordon also was fined two additional game checks on Friday. He'll miss games against the Dolphins and defending Super Bowl-champion Ravens, and is eligible to return for a game against the Vikings.

Gordon said in a statement that he used cough medicine containing codeine — a banned substance — while recovering from strep throat in February. The league could have given him a four-game suspension.

It's the second year in a row that the Browns have a key player suspended early in the season. Cornerback Joe Haden was suspended four games last season for violating the league's policy on performance-enhancing substances. Haden acknowledged taking the stimulant Adderall. The Browns lost their four games without him.

Golf

MEMPHIS — Harris English shot a 6-under 64 on Friday to open a two-stroke lead in the St. Jude Classic, the final event before the U.S. Open next week at Merion.

The 23-year-old former Georgia player had never even had a piece of a lead on the PGA Tour until Thursday when he found himself tied with five others, including Davis Love III, after 18 holes.

English used a hot putter to roll in five birdie putts, holed out from 181 yards for eagle on the par-4 fifth and had only one bogey to finish the second round at 10-under 130.

Shawn Stefani was second after a 65.

■ PITTSFORD, N.Y. — South Korea's Chella Choi shot a 5-under 67 to take a one-shot lead over Morgan Pressel after the first round of the rain-delayed LPGA Championship.

■ BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Duffy Waldorf shot a 4-under 68 to take a one-stroke lead over Jeff Sluman after the soggy, weather-delayed second round of the Regions Tradition, the second of five Champions Tour majors.

Waldorf had three birdies and a bogey on both the first nine holes and the last nine to top the Shoal Creek leaderboard at 9-under 135.

College football

COLUMBUS — Ohio State has announced the start times for its first two home football games.

The Buckeyes' opener Aug. 31 against Buffalo will kick off at noon and be televised by ESPN2, while their game the next week against San Diego State will start at 3:30 p.m. on ABC.