Cleveland Browns wide receiver Josh Gordon has seen his appeal against a drugs ban thrown out by the NFL.
Gordon has been found guilty of taking marijuana and therefore violating the league's substance abuse policy, meaning that he is now facing a year out of the sport.
According to NFL Media analyst Albert Breer, there is no going back on this decision.
Upon the announcement, Gordon released the following statement through the NFLPA: "I'd like to apologize to my teammates, coaches, the Cleveland Browns organization and our fans.
"I am very disappointed that the NFL and its hearing office didn't exercise better discretion and judgment in my case.
"I would like to sincerely thank the people who have been incredibly supportive of me during this challenging time, including my family, my agent, my union, my legal team, and the Cleveland Browns staff."
The decision cripples the Browns' passing offense, with Gordon leading the league in receiving yards last season with 1,646. He also missed two games following another drugs bust.
The earliest Gordon will be able to play again competitively in the league is September 2015.
Joe McPhee
