Sat 9/6/14 11:47 PM43 Comments

The NFL and the NFL players' union did not reach an agreement that would modify the sport's drug policies and potentially could result in a reduced or overturned suspension for Gordon in time to impact his suspension for Week 1, the Cleveland Plain Dealer reports. However, multiple sources told the Plain Dealer that an agreement between the NFL and NFL players union that would modify the sport's drug policies could be reached next week. The new drug agreement would reportedly include testing for HGH and raise the threshold for what would constitute a positive test for marijuana. Gordon's positive test for marijuana was reportedly below the new threshold, thus creating the possibility that his suspension could be reduced. It was a real long shot that Gordon would be reinstated before Week 1, but the bigger question is whether the timing of an agreement after Week 1 would impact a potential reduction of Gordon's suspension. Various theories about the timing of Gordon's positive test for marijuana and whether the agreement would cover players suspended before the start of the season leave the impact of a new agreement in doubt. Plus the new agreement may add mandatory suspensions for DUI arrests, and Gordon had a DWI in November. It's also not clear that the two sides will agree to modify prior suspensions. Despite all the hurdles, the Plain Dealer says it's possible Gordon could return to the field as early as next week - but many hurdles remain and the odds of it happening still seem fairly low.

Comments

Kube Sun 9/7/14 12:34 PM

This guy got "caught" with an extremely minor amount of marijuana (now legal in 2 states, and decriminalized in 16). People are reacting like he has an addiction to heroin. Gordon doesn't have a problem. The suspension should be lifted, or at least shortened. The NFL needs to focus on more serious league violations.

SkullSplitter Mon 9/8/14 2:24 PM

My issue with this is not marijuana or the legalization of marijuana, it's the process in which his tests were done. Every time they do testing, they get two samples, an "A" sample and a "B" sample. His "A" sample was right on the minimum for a positive test. They tested his "B" sample and it was below the minimum and not enough for a suspension. I represent people for a living for employee/employer contract law and I have never personally witnessed such a suspension or termination upheld under these circumstances. The NFL and their "independent" arbitrator must be a fixed racket. Generally, both samples need to be above the minimum or the test is invalid regardless of how close they are.

EL_JJ Mon 9/8/14 6:00 PM

The biggest issue is the lack of intellegence or discipline to follow rules. Rules are rules if you want to be a part of an organization. If you don't agree with them get out or suffer the punishment. That said I hope they hurry and put his ass back in.