In an interview with 92.3 The Fan, Cleveland Browns president Mike Holmgren revealed that cornerback Joe Haden has indeed been suspended for four games by the NFL and is currently amidst the appeal process.
“He’s had his appeal hearing, and it’s now up to someone else,” revealed Holmgren. “I suspect if we haven’t heard by now, we’ll have him for the first game.”
Just 24 hours earlier, Holmgren told the Cleveland media that the team was unsure if Haden, facing punishment for the use of Adderall this past summer, would be playing this coming Sunday when the Browns play host to the Philadelphia Eagles. Not having heard back from the league to this point, hopes were that the appeal would buy the team time for Haden to suit up against a formidable opponent.
NFL spokesman Greg Aiello told The Plain Dealer just last week that if a player wins his appeal, the suspension is not announced. The league typically hands down suspensions on Monday or Tuesday, allowing ample preparation for the impacted parties. It is anticipated that cornerback Dimitri Patterson would start in Haden’s place in the event of a lost appeal.
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