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Browner’s hearing concludes

Seahawks Browner and Sherman celebrate Browner's interception against Eagles wide receiver Cooper during their NFL football game in Seattle

Seattle Seahawks cornerback Brandon Browner (39) is congratulated by teammate Richard Sherman (L) after Browner intercepted a pass intended for Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Riley Cooper (not pictured) during the fourth quarter of their NFL football game at Centurylink Field in Seattle, December 1, 2011. The Seahawks won 31-14. REUTERS/Anthony Bolante (UNITED STATES - Tags: SPORT FOOTBALL)

REUTERS

Seahawks cornerback Brandon Browner currently can’t play due to injury. Whether he can’t play due to suspension will soon be determined.

Mike Garafolo of FOX Sports reports that Browner’s hearing on his one-year suspension concluded on Wednesday.

Few specifics are available regarding the case. News of a looming suspension first emerged on Monday, when the league-owned network erroneously reported that the league wants to suspend Browner for performance-enhancing drugs. In reality, Browner faces a one-year suspension under the substance-abuse policy.

If it were a suspension under the PED policy, a decision would be required within five days. The substance-abuse policy requires that a decision be reached "[w]ithin a reasonable time.”
A one-year suspension would be devastating to the career and financial prospects of Browner, who is due to become a free agent in March. The 29-year-old defensive back, who was cut by the Broncos in 2006 and played in the CFL, became a force for the Seahawks after a five-year NFL absence.