Report: New Drug Testing Policy Could Reduce Or Eliminate Suspensions For Welker & Gordon

Update:

Mark Maske of the Washington Post confirms the report from PFT that it’s “possible” players like Wes Welker and Josh Gordon could have their suspensions reduced or possibly overturned if a new drug-testing agreement is reached at some point in near future.

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Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk reports that a new agreement between the NFL and the Players Association could eliminate or reduce suspensions for players around the league including Broncos WR Wes Welker and Browns WR Josh Gordon.

Regarding Welker’s situation, Florio reports that amphetamines would no longer fall under the performance-enhancing substance policy and would instead would be related to the substance-abuse policy. This alone would nullify Welker’s suspension.

The two sides are expected to raise the threshold for marijuana tests, which means Gordon’s positive test could go away completely.

Florio reported Tuesday that the NFL and NFLPA are “very close” to reaching an agreement on drug testing that will include HGH.

This agreement is expected to give an independent arbitrator the ability to oversee positive tests. However, the issue of whether Roger Goodell or the arbitrator will handle appeals cases reportedly remains a “sticking point.”

Albert Breer reports that talks between the two sides intensified close to 10 days ago and they are treating this Sunday as a “soft deadline.”

• Breer adds that DUI policy is another sticking point in the current talks.
• According to Breer, they have made progress regarding Goodell overseeing appeal cases.

The NFL and NFLPA would obviously have to agree to apply any new rules retroactively to cases like Welker and Gordon for them to benefit, but this could easily be negotiated into a deal.

Welker is facing a four-game suspension for testing positive for amphetamines back in May. He’s coming off of a concussion, so the Broncos aren’t all that worried about holding him out for the time being, but wouldn’t hurt to have him back sooner than later.

Gordon is reportedly considering legal action against the league. Gordon took a job as a car salesman and is expected to begin the job this weekend.

We’ll have more updates regarding this situation as the news is available.