Cleveland Browns receiver Josh Gordon suspended for season

The NFL has suspended Cleveland Browns All-Pro receiver Josh Gordon for the entire 2014 season for violating the league’s substance-abuse policy. The suspension, confirmed by a league spokesman, was upheld on appeal Wednesday, meaning the Browns will be without their premier offensive playmaker.

Technically, the suspension is indefinite because Gordon’s eligibility for reinstatement will be determined after the 2014 season. The suspension is effective immediately.

Arbitrator Harold Henderson heard the case, in which Gordon’s attorneys argued their client was a victim of second-hand marijuana smoke.

“I’d like to apologize to my teammates, coaches, the Cleveland Browns organization and our fans,” Gordon said in a statement issued by the NFL Players Assn. “I am very disappointed that the NFL and its hearing office didn’t exercise better discretion and judgment in my case. 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.”

Gordon could still face discipline for his drunk-driving arrest July 5, when his blood-alcohol level was measured at .09.

In May, Gordon was stopped for speeding in Strongsville, Ohio, and the police officer reported smelling marijuana in the car. Gordon wasn’t cited for marijuana, but one of his three passengers was.

Gordon failed at least three marijuana tests in college and was suspended from the Baylor team and kicked off the Utah team because of them.

Last season, Gordon set team records for single-season receiving yards (1,646), 100-yard receiving games in a season (seven), and had the best two-, three-, and four-game receiving yardage totals in NFL history.