Brandon Browner facing 1-year suspension for substance abuse violation, per report

After a flurry of conflicting reports, news emerged Monday night that Seattle cornerback Brandon Browner could be gone for a year after a reported substance abuse violation.

by Mark Sandritter

Nov 26, 2013, 1:15 AM UTC

Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Brandon Browner is facing a one-year suspension for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy, according to a report from ESPN's Adam Schefter. Browner reportedly appealed the suspension and is awaiting a final ruling.

After conflicting reports, Schefter clarified that the 29-year-old is facing a suspension for a substance abuse violation, not a violation of the NFL’s policy on performance-enhancing drugs, as was previously reported by Mike Silver of NFL.com. Browner was suspended four games last season for a violation of performance-enhancing drugs. If the reports are true and his suspension is upheld, Browner would be suspended for the next calendar year and be eligible for reinstatement late next season.

Browner quickly denied the report of a PED violation on Twitter, but has not commented on the most recent report from Schefter. If Browner is suspended, the latest violation would prove to be extremely costly. The Seattle cornerback is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent. The one-year ban would all but eliminate any interest on the free agent market. He could draw interest once reinstated, but some teams may shy away due to his past and the fact he would be another failed test away from a long-term suspension. At best, Browner would likely be in line for a one-year contract at the veteran minimum. Chris Mortensen reported Browner is not expected to return to Seattle.

He is the second Seattle cornerback to be suspended for a substance abuse violation. Walter Thurmond was suspended for four games and will reportedly drop his appeal and begin serving his suspension this week. The Seahawks will likely search for replacements and have shown interest in free agents Antoine Winfield, Marcus Trufant and Perrish Cox.