Browns CB Joe Haden Loses Appeal, Suspended Four Games
As expected, Cleveland Browns cornerback Joe Haden has been suspended four games for violating the NFL’s policy on performance-enhancing drugs, testing positive for the stimulant Adderall earlier this season.
Haden had appealed the suspension, which allowed him to play in Sunday’s opener, where he had six tackles and an interception. But, without a proper prescription, there was no way Haden was going to beat it.
Cornerback Dimitri Patterson will take Haden’s place, at least until he returns to the active roster on Oct. 8. Even worse for Haden, he loses $1.356 million in salary because of the suspension and will not be eligible for the Pro Bowl.
To say that Haden’s suspension is a disappointment would be a tremendous understatement. Despite giving up 456 yards of offense on Sunday, the Browns’ defense looked very impressive at times. Losing Haden only makes an already-thin secondary a little more gaunt.
The Browns’ next four games are against the Cincinnati Bengals (away), Buffalo Bills, Baltimore Ravens (away) and New York Giants (away).