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
Damian Strohmeyer/SI
Josh Gordon | WR, Cleveland Browns
Carlos M. Saavedra/SI
Ray Rice | RB, Baltimore Ravens
Simon Bruty/SI
Matt Prater | K, Denver Broncos
Daniel Gluskoter/Icon SMI
Robert Mathis | LB, Indianapolis Colts
David Bergman/SI
Aldon Smith | LB, San Francisco 49ers
Robert Beck/SI
Dwayne Bowe | WR, Kansas City Chiefs
Robert Beck/SI
Will Hill | S, Baltimore Ravens
William Purnell/Icon SMI
Dion Jordan | DE, Miami Dolphins
Richard C. Lewis/Icon SMI
Lane Johnson | OT, Philadelphia Eagles
Hunter Martin/Philadelphia Eagles/Getty Images
Orlando Scandrick | CB, Dallas Cowboys
Ronald Martinez/Getty Images
Brandon Meriweather | S, Washington Redskins
Carlos M. Saavedra/SI
Jerome Simpson | WR, Minnesota Vikings
Drew Hallowell/Philadelphia Eagles/Getty Images
Josh Brent | NT, Dallas Cowboys
Tony Gutierrez/AP
Daryl Washington | LB, Arizona Cardinals
Bruce Yeung/Icon SMI
Fred Davis | TE, Free Agent
Nick Wass/AP
Stedman Bailey | WR, St. Louis Rams
Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images
LaVon Brazill | WR, Free Agent
David Bergman/SI
Jayron Hosley | CB, New York Giants
Bill Kostroun/AP
Nigel Bradham | LB, Buffalo Bills
Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images
Jake Knott | LB, Free Agent
Al Tielemans/SI
Jakar Hamilton | S, Dallas Cowboys
Rick Osentoski/AP
Frank Alexander | DE, Carolina Panthers
Mike McCarn/AP
Brandon Moore | DE, Free Agent
Chris Williams/Icon SMI
Rokevious Watkins | OT, Free Agent
Jeff Moffett/Icon SMI
- Chris Johnson
