Brandon Browner drops appeal of drug suspension

Brandon Browner figured he was better off taking his punishment now than trying to fight the NFL.

The Seattle Seahawks cornerback will begin serving a four-game suspension for violation of the league’s policy on performance-enhancing drugs beginning this week, according to Danny O’Neil of the Seattle Times. That means Browner is out for the remainder of the regular season. If the Seahawks reach postseason, he is eligible to return.

Fellow Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman will have an appeal hearing for his four-game suspension on Dec. 14. Both cornerbacks allegedly tested positive for Adderall in September and it’s possible the team will close out the season with both suspended.

O’Neil speculates that Browner gave up his fight because of the policy that players are responsible for what is in their body. The only way to successfully challenge a failed test is to prove the test results were bogus or the substance is not illegal.

The Seahawks promoted defensive back Deshawn Shead from the practice squad to take the place of Browner on the roster.

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Brad Biggs covers the Bears for the Chicago Tribune