/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/35020313/20131121_hcs_sy4_132.0.jpg)
According to Tim McManus of Birds 24/7, the NFL has not yet confirmed the reported suspension of Philadelphia Eagles offensive tackle Lane Johnson. More from McManus:
When asked to confirm the report, and NFL spokesperson replied: "We have no information on him."
Does that mean no suspension has been handed down from the league?
"Correct."
Johnson is not necessarily out of the woods. Players typically learn of a positive test before the league office. It's possible, then, that his camp is aware of the failed drug test and it simply hasn't hit the league offices yet.
As McManus notes, this does not necessarily mean that Johnson won't be suspended. Paul Domowitch, who originally reported Johnson's suspension, could easily still be correct. Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia Inquirer and Reuben Frank of CSN Philly are both confirming Domo's report.
McManus maintains that the suspension could still be coming, but the results have not reached the league office yet. ESPN Insider Adam Caplan and NFL Network reporter Albert Breer also confirmed this notion.
Eagles RT Lane Johnson is expected to serve a 4-game suspension (@pdomo 1st reported), though the NFL hasn't issued final word yet.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) June 30, 2014
One possible explanation is that Johnson was suspended but is appealing the decision. No inside information on that one, just speculation.
A long story short: it's still not looking good for Johnson and the Eagles. But as of now the suspension is not official... yet.
[Note by Brandon Lee Gowton, 06/30/14 5:11 PM EDT] Zach Berman clarifies some semantics here:
The NFL has not yet announced a suspension, and Johnson has not yet been suspended. But he faces the suspension with a positive test.
— Zach Berman (@ZBerm) June 30, 2014
Loading comments...