In radio interview, Mike Holmgren says Browns CB Joe Haden had appeal hearing regarding suspension

Browns cornerback Joe Haden has appealed a suspension from the NFL and is awaiting the league’s decision, President Mike Holmgren told 92.3 The Fan this morning.

“He’s had his appeal hearing, and now it’s up to someone else,” Holmgren said today when asked about Haden's suspension. “And we don’t know.”

It's still not known whether Haden will miss any games. In an e-mail to the Beacon Journal, NFL spokesman Greg Aiello wrote, "We have nothing to report from our office."

The league does not announce suspensions in the substance abuse or steroid programs until after the appeals process is complete. The league won't make an announcement if a player wins an appeal.

Haden could be suspended four games after failing a drug test in the offseason, ESPN Cleveland reported Aug. 8. The failed test was a result of Haden taking Adderall, according to the report. Adderall is on the NFL’s list of banned substances.

Holmgren confirmed the suspension for the first time today by stating an appeal hearing has taken place.

It remains to be seen whether Haden will be allowed to play in the regular-season opener Sunday against the visiting Philadelphia Eagles.

“I suspect, though, if we haven’t heard by now that we’ll have him for the first game,” Holmgren said today. “I think, but I don’t know for sure.”

The NFL usually issues suspensions on Tuesdays during game weeks.

When asked Monday if he’d be able to play in Week 1, Haden said, “I have no idea.”

Haden said his teammates have shown their support.

“In the locker room, everybody’s cool,” Haden said. “You just keep going, just keep playing, just keep practicing. That’s what I like about all the teammates. It’s like nothing’s going on.”

If Haden must serve a suspension, nickel cornerback Dimitri Patterson will likely start.

“Obviously, that’s a blow,” Patterson said Monday. “No doubt about it. But, hey, it’s professional football. It’s not Pop Warner. This is professional [football]. You’ve got to step in and be a professional. It’s as simple as that.”

Two New York Giants players were suspended this year for what they said was Adderall. The NFL does not announce which drug triggered a failed test. Running back Andre Brown appealed and had his suspension cleared after proving he had a previous prescription. Safety Tyler Sash lost his appeal and must serve a four-game suspension.

Haden declined to comment when asked last month whether he had a prescription for Adderall.