Josh Gordon 1-Year Suspension Upheld by NFL

In the most unsurprising move that the NFL has made lately, the year-long suspension of Cleveland Brown's wide receiver Josh Gordon has been upheld. Gordon has had a lengthy affair with positive drug tests dating back to his college days at Baylor and Utah. While in the NFL, Gordon has been arrested for a DUI as well as failing two previous drug tests. The NFL disciplinary system works in levels, upgrading every time another infraction is infringed upon. Gordon has quickly climbed the ladder to the top of the NFL's most wanted list.

Gordon had hoped that the NFL appointed arbitrator would look favorably on his latest excuse for the positive drug test. Gordon claimed that the marijuana entered his system through secondhand smoke, and that he had not actually participated in the act. The NFL does have the strictest drug tests in the nation, testing for levels of THC that are even lower than the military's.  

Tattoos are usually meaningful for those who choose to get them. Josh Gordon has a marijuana leaf tattooed on his back. Most fans cannot comprehend why a player can't hold off on 'toking up' when there are millions of dollars of stake. A yearlong suspension is a substantial blow financially as well as to the team.

Gordon released a statement through the NFL Players Association:

"I'd like to apologize to my teammates, coaches, the Cleveland Browns organization and our fans. I am very disappointed that the NFL and its hearing office didn't exercise better discretion and judgment in my case," Gordon said. "I would like to sincerely thank the people who have been incredibly supportive of me during this challenging time, including my family, my agent, my union, my legal team, and the Cleveland Browns staff."

Whether or not the NFL is too strict on marijuana infractions, the fact is that rules are rules. Even if they're irrational, players must suck it up and abide by them or like in Josh Gordon's case, be heavily punished by the league.

Gordon is an extremely talented player and it's sad in many ways to see one of his career years go up in smoke.