CBS Sports is reporting that the NFL has upheld its one year suspension of Cleveland Browns wide receiver Josh Gordon. The violation is on the latest in Gordon’s well-documented history of substance abuse. Said Gordon in a statement:
“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 had played in several Browns preseason games with the hope that his appeal of the suspension would stand. In July, he was arrested for driving under the influence. The league did not make an official ruling on that issue as his current situation took precedent.