Cleveland Browns president Mike Holmgren says CB Joe Haden appeals drug ban – NFL News
The Cleveland Browns can only hope that cornerback Joe Haden’s appeal against suspension of four games over use of banned substance is accepted by the National Football League (NFL) to help him become a part of the side in the season opener on 9th
of this month.
Joe has reportedly failed a drug test over use of Adderall, which is in the league’s list of banned drugs. He has landed himself into serious trouble since then. The league office has suspended him for four games, and according to Browns president Mike Holmgren,
the player has now appealed against the ruling.
Mike also confirmed a hearing on the appeal is due shortly. He did not confirm exact date of the hearing, which later was also denied by the league office.
NFL spokesman Greg Aiello while responding to media queries denied commenting on the case. With lingering uncertainty about hearing schedule, Haden may well be out of the season opener this Sunday, which is going to be a serious blow to the player’s and
team’s prospects.
Cornerback Dimitri Patterson said of the situation:
"That's a blow. But it's professional football. It's not Pop Warner. You've got to step in and be a professional, simple as that."
Haden himself must be ruing over the outcome more than anyone else. He recently had boasted about having one of the most successful seasons in the pro league. According to him:
"I feel like this is the best I've played at corner in my life. I've become comfortable at the position, and I'm starting to understand concepts and a whole lot, so the game is starting to slow down."
Although nothing can be ruled out at the moment, some game analysts are not hopeful of the player’s chances of skipping the ban altogether. Even if the league rules to accept the appeal for reduction of the suspension he can still face ousting for a couple
of games, which nevertheless will delay his participation in the season.
Since details about use of the substance have not emerged so far, it is difficult to reason or doubt legality of any claim the player might have laid to his defence.
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