The next time that the Pittsburgh Steelers will face Cleveland Browns wide receiver Josh Gordon it will likely be when the two teams meet for the first time in 2015.
According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, Gordon’s one-year suspension has been upheld following his failed appeal and thus he will not be eligible for reinstatement until next season.
Last season, Gordon caught 87 passes for 1,646 yards and nine touchdowns in the 14 games that he played in.
There were several that thought Gordon might have his suspension reduced to half a season being as it took so long to rule on his appeal. It’s still unclear as to why the process took so long,
With the Gordon decision now final, the Browns will likely enter the 2014 season with Miles Austin, Andrew Hawkins, Nate Burleson and Travis Benjamin as their top four wide receivers. Burleson, however, has yet to play during the preseason as he’s still not completely healthy.
The Steelers will open the 2014 season against the Browns at Heinz Field a week from this coming Sunday.
Below is the statement released by the NFLPA on behalf of Gordon following the final ruling.
“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 officer 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.”
