Despite his best appeal efforts, Cleveland Browns wide receiver Josh Gordon will be suspended for the entire 2014 season.
The NFL announced on Wednesday that arbitrator Harold Henderson upheld the league's one year suspension of Gordon for a failed marijuana test.
Gordon had appealed the suspension and hired attorney Maurice Suh to represent him at the appeal hearing. Suh had successfully argued to have Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman's suspension reduced last season. Suh argued that Gordon tested positive for marijuana due to second hand smoke and that test results were inconsistent and should be thrown out.
Gordon didn't help his case however when he was arrested on July 5 in Raleigh, North Carolina on drunk driving charges. The talented receiver was a risky pick for the Browns in the 2012 supplemental draft because of his history of failed drug tests in college.
Gordon served a two game suspension last season for a drug violation but still led the league with 1,646 receiving yards.
Gordon issued a statement apologizing to his teammates, coaches, the organization and fans and thanked the people who supported him during the appeals process.
Gordon's suspension is effective immediately. Gordon is not allowed to practice or play for the Browns or attend any team meetings or functions. His reinstatement to the league will be determined after the 2014 season.
Gordon is still under the care of the NFL treatment program which requires counseling and rehab and random drug testing. His loss for the season is a huge blow to the Browns.
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