Report: Josh Gordon Plans to Appeal Week 17 Suspension
Josh Gordon was suspended by the Cleveland Browns for Week 17 of last season after missing a practice. Shortly after the season, and before the Super Bowl, he was suspended for all of next year. As it, it doesn’t seem like he plans to appeal the full season suspension but according to a Pro Football Talk report he will appeal his Week 17 suspension:
"Per a league source, Gordon will soon be filing a grievance with the assistance of the NFLPA challenging the unpaid suspension for missing a Saturday walk-through practice before the regular-season finale against the the Ravens. The fight isn’t about getting the game check; it’s about getting credit for a sixth game in 2014 and in turn a year of credit toward free agency."
Not sure what leg Gordon thinks he will be able to stand on but it doesn’t seem like much of one. According to reports he was late to many meetings and this was the last straw. The NFL would only be ruling on the basis of this suspension, the year long suspension shouldn’t play a role in the decision, but likely his past will come up.
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For Gordon the ruling is a big one. He will not play all of next season and if he is reinstated, based on the Week 17 suspension, he would be a restricted free agent after the 2016 season. If he wins the appeal he would be a unrestricted free agent.
If the Browns cut ties with Gordon, which is very possible/likely, he could sign a contract for two years that makes the point moot. He can’t take that chance though and will take this avenue to try to get to free agency as quickly as possible.
For the Browns it could impact their decision making. If he is a restricted free agent after the ’16 season than he could have more value, either on the field or in the trade market. While Gordon has been a hassle, and the Browns are ready to move on, the team still will do what is best for them. Having him under contract for a year and as a restricted free agent after that gives them a ton of leverage.
Gordon is likely to lose his appeal but still be cut by the Browns before the start of next season. Given the reported dysfunction within the Front Office, with only Mike Pettine looking competent, anything is possible by the start of next season.
What do you think about Josh Gordon appealing this suspension?