NFL 2014 News: Lavon Brazill, Dion Jordan Suspended for PED Use
More and more the National Football League is cracking down on drug use. Suspensions for performance enhancers are at an all-time high. Recently, Lavon Brazill and Dion Jordon were suspended by the league.
Because of the physical nature of football, the National Football League has some of the strictest drug-testing policy in all of sports.
Dion Jordan's suspension is a huge blow for the Miami Dolphins. The 24-year-old defensive end was drafted No. 3 overall by the Dolphins in 2013 and has high hopes for the future. It has been confirmed that his suspension is four games because of a failed drug test for performance enhancers. It was also reported that Jordan had gained 17 pounds of muscle from last year.
Jordan didn't play very much last season, but he did play well when on the field. Being the No. 3 overall pick, it was expected that he would be the franchise player moving forward. With nearly as many suspensions as career sacks, he's off to a bad start. Jordan will miss games against the New England Patriots, Buffalo Bills, Kansas City Chiefs and Oakland Raiders.
Two of those games are against AFC East divisional opponents and the Chiefs just made the playoffs last season.
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Brazill has officially been suspended for the entire 2014 NFL season without pay.
So why the whole season for Brazill? Simple. He's a repeat offender.
Last season, Brazill was suspended the first four games of the 2013 season after failing a drug test. He notably said after that suspension, "It's either money or marijuana." Well, it's obvious which one he chose.
The 25-year-old wide receiver had a great postseason last year for the Colts with 127 yards and two touchdowns. It may not be a big surprise if the Colts decided to release Brazill. They only invested a sixth round pick in him, and with his current issues, perception may be that he's more trouble than he's worth.
One of the best receivers in the NFL Josh Gordon is still hoping he will play this upcoming season.
Gordon has had drug issues going back to his college years at Baylor. Similar to Brazill, Jordon failed a drug test last season but was only suspended the first two games. Despite being suspended the first two games of the season, Gordon would go on to lead the entire league in receiving yards. Now, Gordon is facing a possible season ban after failing his fourth drug test and second in the NFL. His hearing has been set for late July to determine his suspension.