Today's the day that Josh Gordon's appeal of his year-long ban for violating the league's substance abuse policy will be heard. Win (on a second-hand smoke argument) and maybe he's playing at the start of the season; lose and he's done for 2014.
But just maybe, some sort of compromise is reached. This article from ProFootballTalk says there's a chance of a settlement, in which Gordon would be suspended but for less than an entire season. Eight games? Six games? That would presumably be what we're looking at.
Such a settlement would allow the league to save face given it's a suspension that many disagree with, and also eliminate the chance of Gordon actually winning his appeal. It would also make him an interesting selection in fantasy drafts. How early do you draft last season's top receiver if he's able to play in Week 8? (Cleveland has a Week 4 bye, so a six-game suspension would take Gordon through Week 7.)
We'll find out today. Those holding onto Gordon and Cleveland's other offensive players, all of whom will be affected by the results, are also holding their breath.
--Andy Richardson