Brandon Browner suspended indefinitely, career in jeopardy
Oct 17, 2013; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Seattle Seahawks cornerback Brandon Browner against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Brandon Browner, in his third year with the Seahawks, has been suspended indefinitely after his appeal was denied on Wednesday, according to NFL Insider Adam Schefter.
Appeal for 1-year suspension of Seahawks CB Brandon Browner denied today, per sources. NFL career in question with reinstatement conditional
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 18, 2013
Seahawks CB Brandon Browner still can appeal again, and might, but clock now starts on his one-year suspension. Done for year, maybe career.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 19, 2013
The suspension is the second in two seasons for the corner back. Last season, he missed four games for violating the league’s substance-abuse policy, according to FOXSports.com.
On Wednesday, Browner lost his appeal and will now have to serve the one-year suspension he has been fighting for nearly a month.
Following the announcement of his suspension, Browner made this statement on Twitter:
"I want to thank the Seahawks organization for the incredible opportunity they gave me when they took a chance on a player who was out of the NFL and playing in the CFL for 4 years. I also want to thank all of my teammates, coaches, trainers, staff and the 12’s for their support, respect, and friendship and for helping me grow into the player, father and person I am today. I have been treated with class by everyone associated with the Seattle Seahawks and for that I am forever grateful. Although I disagree with the circumstances surrounding my actions and I apologize for anything that causes any unflattering reflections of my family and the Seahawks. I believe in my innocence and will continue to fight with all legal resources available to me. Go Hawks!!!"
Browner hasn’t played since Week 10 as he has been sidelined with a groin injury.
In his three-year career with the Seahawks, Browner has registered 117 tackles and 10 interceptions in 36 games.
Browner can apply for reinstatement after a year, but his career with the Seahawks will likely be over as Seattle has other talented covers that can take his place.
Byron Maxwell, who had two interceptions on Sunday against the Giants, has “kept opposing quarterbacks to a 45.0 passer rating, the best mark among all of Seattle’s cornerbacks this season”, via Audibles on SI.com.