National Football League

Report: Browns WR Gordon hires attorney for NFL hearing

Published Jul. 29, 2014 1:46 p.m. ET

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Josh Gordon has a new, high-profile teammate to help him fight the NFL.

Facing an indefinite suspension, Cleveland's talented wide receiver has hired attorney Maurice Suh to represent him at his appeal hearing with the league this week, a person familiar with the decision told The Associated Press. Suh, who helped Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman win an appeal for a suspension in 2012, will be with Gordon in New York on Friday, said the person who spoke Tuesday to The AP on condition of anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the talks.

ESPN first reported Suh's hiring.

Gordon is facing an indefinite ban under the league's substance abuse policy. While he awaits his hearing, the Pro Bowler has been at training camp with the Browns. He has declined interview requests.

Sherman won his appeal of a substance abuse violation on the grounds of a faulty test. It's not known what evidence Suh may have to fight the league's case against Gordon.

Gordon, who failed at least three drug tests in college for marijuana, was suspended for two games last season. He still led the league in yards receiving and broke several team records. The 23-year-old reportedly checked into rehab following a recent DWI arrest in Raleigh, North Carolina.

The Browns are eager to find out if they'll have Gordon at all this season.

Pro Bowl tight end Jordan Cameron said the uncertainty has weighed on Gordon as he waits to learn his fate.

"He's trying to be positive," Cameron said after Monday's practiced. "It's one of those things, he doesn't know. It's up in the air right now. It's hard for him to have a say either way, so he's just grinding. He's out here every day and he's working hard and that's all you can ask of him."