Reports are beginning to surface that Cleveland Browns cornerback Joe Haden is facing a four-game suspension after failing an administered drug test by the league. Haden reportedly tested positive for the prescription drug Adderall, per ESPN Cleveland’s Tony Grossi. Grossi wrote:
"According to sources, Haden has been notified that he tested positive. Under terms of the league policy, a positive test results in a second test from the original sample. If that shows up positive as well, Haden would be suspended for the first four games of the regular season.Haden can appeal. If upheld, the suspension would cost Haden four game checks. In his case, that would amount to more than $1.356 million.Per terms of the league policy, Haden also would be ineligible for selection to the Pro Bowl or to receive any other honors or awards from the league or the NFL Players Association for the season in which the violation is upheld."
Grossi’s agent, Drew Rosenhaus, refused to comment on the report. Haden’s manager, Sean Cabble, also did not comment. Haden himself refused to say a word after Browns practice and a Browns spokesman wrote via email, “Don’t know anything about that. Can’t confirm.”
If Haden did test positive and misses the first four games of the season, it will just be the latest devastating blow to a Browns defensive unit that is already is facing major absences like Phil Taylor and Chris Gocong.