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Browns’ Gordon likely to have suspension reduced

By WTOP Staff

TOM WITHERS
AP Sports Writer

BEREA, Ohio (AP) — Suspended Browns wide receiver Josh Gordon’s locker is still filled with his belongings, his orange helmet hanging on a hook while he’s been kept away from the team.

Perhaps a positive sign?

Maybe not.

“We’ve just got some lazy guys in our equipment room,” coach Mike Pettine joked on Friday.

All kidding aside, it appears Gordon, a repeat drug offender who was banned for a year for another failed test for marijuana, will play with the Browns at some point this season.

Friday’s vote by player representatives to the union to implement testing for human growth hormone for the 2014 NFL season might have cleared the way for Gordon to have his suspension reduced. The union agreed to significantly increase the threshold for positive marijuana tests, but hours later an NFL spokesman said there were unresolved issues and more negotiating ahead.

Under provisions of the new drug policy the union reps approved, Gordon’s suspension likely would be cut to 10 games. The league has not yet announced which of the suspended players could have their penalties reduced.

However, Gordon appears to be on his way back to the Browns.

Gordon’s convoluted saga has hung over the Browns for months, making it difficult to move forward and depriving the team of its top playmaker.

Despite being suspended two games, Gordon led the league with 1,646 yards receiving and nine touchdowns last season, when he emerged as one of the game’s top big-play threats.

And although there may be a glimmer of hope for the Browns, Pettine remains cautious.

“Just because we’ve heard everything and seen everything, until we get official word from the league and then start to respond, you don’t get your hopes up, it’s rumors and innuendo,” he said. “I’ll believe it when I see it.”

The 23-year-old Gordon, who was in an advanced stage of the league’s drug program, was suspended for again testing positive for marijuana. Gordon contends he failed the test earlier this year due to secondhand smoke, and his appeal was recently upheld by arbitrator Harold Henderson.

Gordon had practiced and played in limbo during training camp and the preseason. The league announced on Aug. 27 that he would miss all 16 games and his eligibility for reinstatement would be determined after the season.

Now, his situation is on the verge of changing again.

Gordon’s case is further complicated by a DUI arrest in North Carolina this summer.

The Browns have remained supportive of Gordon during his ordeal. His teammates would love to have him back for any length of time.

Following practice, Browns rookie quarterback Johnny Manziel said the reports about Gordon have been encouraging, but there are still many unknowns.

“That situation, obviously, is one right now that’s kind of in a flux because you don’t know,” Manziel said. “There’s so much talk and so much speculation about ‘what if’ of what could happen. But at any point in time if we got Josh back you look at the type of caliber player that does nothing, but only make this offense get better and makes us better.

“And I know for him, he wants to be playing football and as us being his teammates we want him back around here. At the same time, it’s a delicate situation and one that has a lot of certainty for sure.”

Manziel was asked if he’s being apprised of the latest developments.

“I think that’s way higher than the backup rookie quarterback,” he said, smiling.

NOTES: Pettine said Browns Pro Bowl TE Jordan Cameron (shoulder) and LB Barkevious Mingo (shoulder) will be game-time decision for Sunday’s home opener against New Orleans. Cameron and Mingo missed their third straight day of practice. Pettine says he does not have a fast rule about playing players who haven’t practiced. … Browns RB Ben Tate spoke for the first time since spraining his right knee against the Steelers. Tate, who wore a brace on his knee, will miss this week’s game and suggested he’ll miss next week against Baltimore as well. … Manziel said he’s appreciative of the support he’s received from LeBron James. The two are business partners — James’ marketing company handles some Manziel projects — and the QB values the NBA’s star’s guidance. “Anytime I’ve been around him, you want to pick his brain,” Manziel said.

___

AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org and www.twitter.com/AP_NFL

Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Don’t Settle for Student Loans to Pay for Online Education

By WTOP Staff
Online college programs are becoming a more popular choice for prospective students, with one study finding that more than 6 million students enrolled in at least one online course in fall 2015. The popularity of these courses can be attributed in part to their flexibility with working adults' schedules, students' ability to progress more quickly through online programs and, oftentimes, cheaper tuition. [See 10 low-cost online bachelor's programs for out-of-state students.]Online degrees can be beneficial to many college students, but some studies have shown online learners complete their programs at lower rates than students at traditional brick-and-mortar campuses. Individuals with student loans but no degree comprise two-thirds of defaulted borrowers. Though these numbers are not encouraging, just like for traditional programs, there are ways to reduce how much you'll need to borrow for an online program to ensure you won't become one of these statistics. Don't just settle on borrowing student loans to cover the whole cost of your program and living expenses. Instead, start thinking about how to cut costs and cover your balance in different ways, such as the following. -- Grants and scholarships: Even though you are taking an online course, you can still apply and receive grants and scholarships. But your first step should be to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, commonly referred to as the FAFSA, which will allow you to receive a Pell Grant if your expected family contribution is low enough. The EFC criteria and award amounts are adjusted annually, but the 2017-2018 academic year awards range from $606 to $5,920, which could significantly lower the amount you borrow annually. Your next step is to apply for scholarships. You can start by checking online scholarship search engines, such as the Salt Scholarship Search, College Board's BigFuture and Peterson's. But don't forget to take advantage of local organizations and your school's financial aid office. Both may offer scholarships that you can't find with a national scholarship search. [Review these 10 sites to kick off your scholarship search.]For instance, organizations like the Elks Club, Knights of Columbus or the Rotary Club typically offer scholarships annually to local students. Just because you're going to school online doesn't mean you're ineligible. Visit your local library for scholarship listings, and ask around town. You might be surprised how many local organizations offer scholarships. While these scholarships typically aren't large, every little bit counts. Each dollar you receive in a scholarship is a dollar you don't have to borrow and pay interest on. -- Work-study: Another option for online students may be work-study awards. Not all students enrolled in online programs are eligible, but students at some schools -- including, for example, SUNY Empire State College and Liberty University -- are. Work-study awards are not given upfront like scholarships and grants. In most cases, they are an offer to earn up to the awarded amount if you secure an eligible work-study job. While there is a misconception that all work-study jobs must be on campus, students can work for off-campus, nonprofit or public employers as long as the work is in the public's interest. You may be able to work for a for-profit employer if the job is relevant to your course of study. No matter who the outside employer is, it will need to have an established agreement with your college for you to receive work-study funds. Remember, to be eligible for federal financial aid, you must be enrolled and pursuing a degree or certificate. If you're not working toward a credential, Pell Grants and work-study won't be option, but you may still be able to take advantage of private scholarships -- just be sure to read the eligibility criteria carefully. [Explore what to know about financial aid in online programs.]-- Pay as you go: One of the great benefits to enrolling online is the flexible schedule, which can allow you to complete your college coursework around your responsibilities. But prospective students often overlook using their part- or full-time job earnings as an option for paying for college. Almost 80 percent of college students in 2015 worked at least part time while attending classes, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. By budgeting and thinking strategically about your college costs, you can likely reduce your dependence on student loans by paying a portion out of pocket. Many -- but not all -- online programs are less expensive than traditional programs and often have shorter payment periods. Six, eight or 10 weeks are common course durations. Because of the frequency of payments in an online setting, you may be well-placed to pay as you go and possibly avoid borrowing altogether. Attending college online and avoiding student loans may be challenging, but if you are willing to put in the effort, you can limit the amount you need to borrow. More from U.S. News Q&A: Understanding Student Loan Discharge Eligibility Student Loan Refinancing Isn't Right for All Borrowers
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