A big name that hasn’t been mentioned as much lately (due to other circulating NFL news) is Josh Gordon. His season-long suspension was reduced to only 10 games and he can actually be on the Cleveland Browns’ facilities throughout 2014.
While the new policy is still being ironed out between the league and NFLPA, some of the forseen new amendments are:
–HGH testing will be fully implemented this season. Information on testing procedures will be sent to clubs and players within the week, and testing should begin by the end of this month.
– Appeals of positive tests in the performance-enhancing drug programs (including HGH) will be heard by third-party arbitrators jointly selected and retained by the NFL and NFLPA. Appeals will be processed more expeditiously under improved rules and procedures.
– Discipline for violations of the performance-enhancing drug policy (including for HGH) will be modified. A first violation will result in a suspension without pay of up to six games depending on the nature of the violation. Use of a diuretic or masking agent will result in a suspension without pay of two games. Use of a steroid, stimulant, HGH or other banned substance will result in a suspension without pay of four games. Evidence of an attempt to manipulate a test will result in a suspension without pay of six games.
– A second violation of the steroid policy will result in a suspension without pay of 10 games. A third violation will result in banishment for a minimum of two years.
– Players who test positive for banned stimulants in the offseason will no longer be suspended. Instead, the player will be referred to the substance abuse program. Players who test positive for banned stimulants during the season will continue to be suspended without pay for four games.
– In cases involving discipline for violations other than positive tests (for example, a violation of law), the Commissioner will retain his current disciplinary authority. A player will have a right of appeal based on due process issues or a claim of disparate punishment. This appeal will be heard by a member of the existing CBA Appeals Panel.
With the new rules in play, you can expect to see generous playing time given to Wes Welker as Peyton Manning’s favorite target and also to Orlando Scandrick in Dallas’s repugnant secondary.
