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
Reports: Gordon, Welker could see drug suspensions reduced
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.

BRANDT: Would the NFL Trade Marijuana for HGH?

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. 

Report: NFL, NFLPA 'very close' to new drug-testing program

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

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Damian Strohmeyer/SI

Suspended four games for violating the league's substance abuse policy.

Josh Gordon | WR, Cleveland Browns

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Carlos M. Saavedra/SI

Suspended the entire season for violating the league's substance abuse policy.

Ray Rice | RB, Baltimore Ravens

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Simon Bruty/SI

Suspended two games for violating the league's personal conduct policy.

Matt Prater | K, Denver Broncos

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Daniel Gluskoter/Icon SMI

Suspended four games for violating the league's substance abuse policy.

Robert Mathis | LB, Indianapolis Colts

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David Bergman/SI

Suspended four games for violating the league's performance-enhancing substances policy.

Aldon Smith | LB, San Francisco 49ers

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Robert Beck/SI

Suspended nine games for violating the league's personal conduct policy.

Dwayne Bowe | WR, Kansas City Chiefs

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Robert Beck/SI

Suspended one game for violating the league's substance abuse policy.

Will Hill | S, Baltimore Ravens

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William Purnell/Icon SMI

Suspended six games for violating the league's substance abuse policy.

Dion Jordan | DE, Miami Dolphins

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Richard C. Lewis/Icon SMI

Suspended four games for violating the league's performance-enhancing substances policy.

Lane Johnson | OT, Philadelphia Eagles

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Hunter Martin/Philadelphia Eagles/Getty Images

Suspended four games for violating the league's performance-enhancing substances policy.

Orlando Scandrick | CB, Dallas Cowboys

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Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

Suspended four games for violating the league's performance-enhancing substances policy.

Brandon Meriweather | S, Washington Redskins

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Carlos M. Saavedra/SI

Suspended two games for an illegal hit.

Jerome Simpson | WR, Minnesota Vikings

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Drew Hallowell/Philadelphia Eagles/Getty Images

Suspended three games for violating the league's substance abuse policy.

Josh Brent | NT, Dallas Cowboys

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Tony Gutierrez/AP

Suspended four games for violating the league's substance abuse policy.

Daryl Washington | LB, Arizona Cardinals

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Bruce Yeung/Icon SMI

Suspended the entire season for violating the league's substance abuse policy.

Fred Davis | TE, Free Agent

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Nick Wass/AP

Suspended indefinitely for violating the league's substance abuse policy.

Stedman Bailey | WR, St. Louis Rams

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Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images

Suspended four games for violating the league's performance-enhancing substances policy.

LaVon Brazill | WR, Free Agent

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David Bergman/SI

Suspended the entire season for violating the league's performance-enhancing substances policy.

Jayron Hosley | CB, New York Giants

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Bill Kostroun/AP

Suspended four games for violating the league's substance abuse policy.

Nigel Bradham | LB, Buffalo Bills

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Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images

Suspended one game for violating the league's substance abuse policy.

Jake Knott | LB, Free Agent

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Al Tielemans/SI

Suspended four games for violating the league's performance-enhancing substances policy.

Jakar Hamilton | S, Dallas Cowboys

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Rick Osentoski/AP

Suspended four games for violating the league's substance abuse policy.

Frank Alexander | DE, Carolina Panthers

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Mike McCarn/AP

Suspended four games for violating the league's substance abuse policy.

Brandon Moore | DE, Free Agent

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Chris Williams/Icon SMI

Suspended four games for violating the league's substance abuse policy.

Rokevious Watkins | OT, Free Agent

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Jeff Moffett/Icon SMI

Suspended four games for violating the league's substance abuse policy.

- Chris Johnson


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