Josh Gordon Yearlong Suspension Upheld By NFL

Josh Gordon’s one-year suspension has been upheld, according to everybody on my Twitter feed (does being first matter if dozens of reporters disseminate the news within a minute of each other?). There’s going to be a lot of talk that this is an outrage, especially in comparison to Ray Rice’s two-game suspension, and it will be justified on a philosophical basis. But, by the letter of the collective bargaining agreement, this is the punishment that the Browns receiver must abide by.

Via Albert Breer, this is Gordon’s statement:

"“I’d like to apologize to my teammates, coaches, the Cleveland Browns organization and our fans. 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.”"

Hopefully, the NFL and NFLPA will draw up a more sensible marijuana policy sooner than later.