2:10pm: Gordon’s hearing has concluded, a source tells Pro Football Talk (Twitter link). While resolution isn’t necessarily expected today, as noted below, the substance abuse policy requires a decision within a “reasonable time,” per PFT.
11:18am: No resolution is expected today on Gordon’s suspension, according to Ulrich (via Twitter).
10:43am: After an all-day session on Friday, the appeal hearing for wide receiver Josh Gordon is expected to resume today at noon eastern time, according to Nate Ulrich of the Akron Beacon Journal (Twitter link). However, Gordon himself won’t be in New York for today’s meeting, having practiced in Berea today with the Browns. Per Aditi Kinkhabwala of NFL.com (via Twitter), Gordon will particpiate via teleconference while his lawyers handle things in New York.
Gordon is looking to reduce a potential one-year suspension to something lesser that would allow him to play for a portion of the 2014 season. If hearing officer Harold Henderson makes a decision, it will reportedly have to be an all-or-nothing ruling, with Gordon either receiving the full year-long suspension or being reinstated immediately. As such, it’s still believed there’s a chance for a settlement, with Gordon’s camp and the league agreeing to a reduced penalty.
Regardless of the outcome of Gordon’s appeal, his roster spot in Cleveland won’t be in jeopardy, with head coach Mike Pettine indicating last month that the standout receiver wouldn’t be cut. Nonetheless, the length of the suspension could potentially affect the team’s plans for its receiving corps — a lengthier ban may prompt the Browns to pursue more veteran help, though that’s just my speculation.