Haden suspended four games

The Cleveland Browns had Joe Haden for one game. They'll be without their best cornerback for the next four.

Haden was suspended on Monday without pay for four games for violating the NFL's policy on performance-enhancing substances. Haden's suspension begins immediately, and he will not be eligible to return to the Browns' active roster until Oct 8, one day after they play at the New York Giants.

Haden, who reportedly tested positive in the offseason for the stimulant Adderall, played in Sunday's season opener against Philadelphia. He had an interception and six tackles in Cleveland's 17-16 loss. Haden has not commented on his ordeal since the report first surfaced on espncleveland.com during training camp.

Haden recently had his appeal heard on the suspension, which has been hanging over the Browns for weeks. The league does not announce suspensions until after the appeal process is complete to protect the player's privacy.

The league did not provide any details about Haden's violation.

Browns spokesman Neal Gulkis said the team will not make a comment about Haden's suspension, which will cost the former first-round draft pick $1.3 million in salary. Coach Pat Shurmur was unaware of Haden's suspension when he held his weekly news conference.

Haden will not be allowed at the team's headquarters during his suspension.

Associated Press

(China Daily 09/12/2012 page22)