The Cleveland Browns have had so much positive press this offseason, but when the bad news starts to come in, it pours in. Initial reports indicated that Trent Richardson's MRI on his knee showed "nothing serious." Prior to Wednesday night's practice, though, head coach Pat Shurmur told reporters, "Richardson is traveling to Pensacola, Florida, where he will have his left knee further evaluated by Dr. James Andrews [Thursday]." Mary Kay Cabot of the Plain Dealer speculates that he might need his left knee scoped again. If that happens, he would miss the next two to four weeks.
The other big news is that cornerback Joe Haden has reportedly failed a drug test and could be facing a four-game suspension from the NFL. From ESPN Cleveland:
Multiple sources tell ESPN Cleveland that the NFL is currently reviewing a failed drug test by Browns cornerback Joe Haden that could result in a four-game suspension. One source said that Haden tested positive for the prescription drug Adderall during a routine, off-season test administered in accordance with the NFL’s policy on anabolic steroids and related substances.
Adderall, which is commonly prescribed to treat attention deficit disorder and narcolepsy, is also used for excessive tiredness. It is on the NFL’s list of banned substances and is classified by the league as a stimulant. According to sources, Haden has been notified that he tested positive. Under terms of the league policy, a positive test results in a second test from the original sample. If that shows up positive as well, Haden would be suspended for the first four games of the regular season.
A defense that is already going to be missing starters Scott Fujita, Chris Gocong, and Phil Taylor to begin the year can't afford to lose another starter, especially the guy who is the heart of the secondary. Nothing has been confirmed regarding a suspension for Haden, but the possibility certainly puts a damper on things.