On Sunday, we found out more about the content of cornerback Richard Sherman’s appeal of the four-game suspension handed down by the league for violating the performance-enhancing drug policy.
Monday brings word on when we’ll find out whether or not the appeal was successful. Adam Schefter of ESPN reports that the ruling on the appeal is expected to come down on Thursday. That’s a few days before the Seahawks are scheduled to host the Rams in the regular season finale. If Sherman’s original suspension is upheld, he would miss Week 17 and any potential playoff games other than the Super Bowl.
Schefter reported Sunday that Sherman’s appeal hinges on the fact that the cup containing his urine specimen was broken, forcing the collector to put a second cup underneath it to collect any leakage. Sherman is arguing that the seal of that second cup was previously broken, breaking the chain of custody and invalidating any resulting positive test.
Florio broke down some reasons why the collective bargaining agreement that the league and the players negotiated makes a successful appeal using those criteria unlikely. It would certainly be good news for the Seahawks if he’s incorrect. We’ll find out later this week.