Reports: Gordon, Welker could see drug suspensions reduced
Reported negotiations between the NFL and the Players Association on a new drug policy has raised the possibility that several players could have their drug-related suspensions modified.
Under the terms of the proposed new policy, the suspensions of Denver Broncos receiver Wes Welker and Cleveland Browns receiver Josh Gordon could be reduced or overturned. Gordon has been suspended for the entire 2014 season for marijuana use, while Welker was suspended for the first four games of the 2014 season for using amphetamines.
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Sources toldThe Washington Post that for Welker and Gordon's suspensions to be modified, an agreement on a new drug policy would likely need to be completed before Sunday. Even if an agreement is reached, it's not certain the suspensions would be changed, according to the report.
Another player who could be affected by the new policy is Dallas Cowboys cornerback Orlando Scandrick. Scandrick, who also tested positive for amphetamines, was suspended four games for violating the league's performance-enhancing drug policy.
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Under the new policy, amphetamines, which are currently classified as PEDs, could be moved under substance abuse. Welker and Scandrick were suspended under the PED policy, while Gordon's marijuana use falls under the substance abuse policy.
GALLERY: 2014 NFL SUSPENSIONS
NFL Suspensions for 2014
Wes Welker | WR, Denver Broncos
Suspended four games for violating the league's substance abuse policy.
Josh Gordon | WR, Cleveland Browns
Suspended the entire season for violating the league's substance abuse policy.
Ray Rice | RB, Baltimore Ravens
Suspended two games for violating the league's personal conduct policy.
Matt Prater | K, Denver Broncos
Suspended four games for violating the league's substance abuse policy.
Robert Mathis | LB, Indianapolis Colts
Suspended four games for violating the league's performance-enhancing substances policy.
Aldon Smith | LB, San Francisco 49ers
Suspended nine games for violating the league's personal conduct policy.
Dwayne Bowe | WR, Kansas City Chiefs
Suspended one game for violating the league's substance abuse policy.
Will Hill | S, Baltimore Ravens
Suspended six games for violating the league's substance abuse policy.
Dion Jordan | DE, Miami Dolphins
Suspended four games for violating the league's performance-enhancing substances policy.
Lane Johnson | OT, Philadelphia Eagles
Suspended four games for violating the league's performance-enhancing substances policy.
Orlando Scandrick | CB, Dallas Cowboys
Suspended four games for violating the league's performance-enhancing substances policy.
Brandon Meriweather | S, Washington Redskins
Suspended two games for an illegal hit.
Jerome Simpson | WR, Minnesota Vikings
Suspended three games for violating the league's substance abuse policy.
Josh Brent | NT, Dallas Cowboys
Suspended four games for violating the league's substance abuse policy.
Daryl Washington | LB, Arizona Cardinals
Suspended the entire season for violating the league's substance abuse policy.
Fred Davis | TE, Free Agent
Suspended indefinitely for violating the league's substance abuse policy.
Stedman Bailey | WR, St. Louis Rams
Suspended four games for violating the league's performance-enhancing substances policy.
LaVon Brazill | WR, Free Agent
Suspended the entire season for violating the league's performance-enhancing substances policy.
Jayron Hosley | CB, New York Giants
Suspended four games for violating the league's substance abuse policy.
Nigel Bradham | LB, Buffalo Bills
Suspended one game for violating the league's substance abuse policy.
Jake Knott | LB, Free Agent
Suspended four games for violating the league's performance-enhancing substances policy.
Jakar Hamilton | S, Dallas Cowboys
Suspended four games for violating the league's substance abuse policy.
Frank Alexander | DE, Carolina Panthers
Suspended four games for violating the league's substance abuse policy.
Brandon Moore | DE, Free Agent
Suspended four games for violating the league's substance abuse policy.
Rokevious Watkins | OT, Free Agent
Suspended four games for violating the league's substance abuse policy.
- Chris Johnson