Josh Gordon's appeal will be "all or nothing," either resulting in no ban at all or a full-year suspension. Players Association spokesman Brian McCarthy confirmed to PFT that when the league's disciplinary penalties were established 20 years ago, "the union expressed the strong view that they needed to be stated and mandatory to ensure that all players be treated the same regardless of position, experience, level of ability, or competitive considerations." If the hearing officer determines the violation was "established," Gordon will be "bound" to the one-year suspension. In other words, Gordon's ban could not be reduced to six, eight, or ten games. If the hearing officer finds there was a violation of the league's drug policy, Gordon's one-year ban will stand. If no violation is established, Gordon will be free to play a 16-game schedule barring a short ban related to his July DUI arrest.

No player has ever won a case against the NFL on the grounds he failed a drug test due to "second-hand smoke." This is Josh Gordon's claim, and the NFL is pushing back. "A cornerstone of both of our drug testing programs has always been that you are responsible for what is in your body," stated NFL VP of communications Greg Aiello. "It is stated that way in the policies." Aiello also confirmed the NFL has suspended several players in the past for "not being responsible for what is in your body." Gordon remains at serious risk of a lengthy suspension.

ESPN's Adam Schefter reports Josh Gordon will argue in his appeal hearing this his positive marijuana test was the result of second-hand smoke. The news comes to light after it was revealed that Gordon's positive test was barely above the NFL's strict threshold. Gordon would have tested negative for marijuana in Major League Baseball, the Olympics and even the federal government. It shines a light on just how odious the NFL's marijuana policy is. Gordon's appeal will be heard on Friday.

A source informed Profootballtalk that suspended WR Josh Gordon's failed drug test barely generated a positive, and it would have been a negative had luck been on Gordon's side. Gordon was summoned for a urine sample. Those samples are split into two bottles, one marked "A" and the other "B." It's completely random which one is marked "A" and which is labeled "B." "A" is tested first, and if it generates a positive test, then "B" is tested. The limit is 15 nanograms-per-milliliter. Gordon's "A" bottle showed a concentration of 16 ng/ml, while his "B" registered a 13.6 ng/ml. The result was a failed test. If urine sample handlers would have by chance marked the "A" bottle "B" and the "B" bottle "A," then Gordon would be free to play. Gordon is appealing the ban, and his hearing will be held on Friday. There seems to be a decent chance he wins.

Suspended WR Josh Gordon has hired the same attorney, Maurice Suh, that helped Richard Sherman win his suspension appeal in December 2012. Sherman was facing a four-game ban two seasons ago, but won his appeal and was available for Seattle in the playoffs. Gordon has been participating in training camp, and was even running with the starters Monday after previously working with mostly backups. Hopefully for Gordon's sake, the Browns know something we don't. If Gordon simply wins and gets his 16-game ban chopped in half, it'd be a colossal victory. We should have a resolution within a week.

FOX Sports' Mike Garafolo reports Josh Gordon checked into rehab following his arrest for DWI earlier this month. It's a much-needed step for a player who's going to miss the entire 2014 season as he serves a suspension for violating the league's substance-abuse policy. Gordon will report to Browns camp on Friday, though his year-long ban is expected to become official following his August 1 appeal hearing.

Josh Gordon will appeal his one-year suspension in a meeting with the NFL on Aug. 1. Gordon's appeal doesn't have much teeth. Since the latest failed drug test that triggered this ban, a "passenger" in his car was cited for marijuana and he's been arrested in North Carolina on suspicion of DWI. It would be a shock if the 16-game suspension is reduced. The Browns are just hoping that they can get Gordon back on the field in 2015. He led the NFL in receiving yards last season and became the first player in league history with back-to-back 200-yard receiving games.

The Browns have "no plans" to release Josh Gordon, and expect him to participate in training camp while his suspension appeal is heard.

Sources tell ESPN that Josh Gordon's blood-alcohol count was .09 when he was arrested on suspicion of DWI over July 4th weekend. The legal limit in North Carolina is .08, so the Browns have reportedly been told that it's possible the charges will be reduced. That could help Gordon's case when he applies for reinstatement to the league following his impending suspension. Gordon's hearing on that suspension is scheduled for sometime in the next two weeks, at which point the 16-game ban is expected to become official.

Sources tell ESPN that Josh Gordon's blood-alcohol count was .09 when he was arrested on suspicion of DWI over July 4th weekend. The legal limit in North Carolina is .08, so the Browns have reportedly been told that it's possible the charges would be reduced. That could help Gordon's case when he applies for reinstatement to the league following his impending suspension. Gordon's hearing on that suspension is scheduled for sometime in the next two weeks, at which point the 16-game ban is expected to become official.