With the hearing officer assigned to the appeal of Browns receiver Josh Gordon’s suspension facing an all-or-nothing mandate, the player and the league have extra incentive to try to control the outcome via a negotiated compromise.
Per a source with knowledge of the situation, a “slight chance” of a resolution exists. Any deal presumably would entail a suspension for Gordon that lasts less than a year.
If one side is less inclined to negotiate than the other, it’s possible that the hearing officer will send signals, indirect or explicit, that it would be wise for that party to be more open-minded. Which could get a deal done during the hearing or after it.
A ruling is expected fairly soon. The substance-abuse policy requires only that the decision be issued with a “reasonable time.”