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Browns’ Gordon practices as NFL appeal concludes

By WTOP Staff

TOM WITHERS
AP Sports Writer

BEREA, Ohio (AP) — Josh Gordon got back on the field before the NFL stopped him.

Gordon returned to training camp and practiced Monday as his appeal hearing with the NFL took place for a second day in New York. The Pro Bowl wide receiver ended his workout earlier than his teammates so he could participate in the hearing via teleconference with his legal team, which fought his potential one-year suspension for violating the league’s substance-abuse policy.

Gordon’s hearing carried into Monday after the sides met for nearly 10 hours on Friday in Manhattan. Gordon’s lawyer, Maurice Suh, contends that the 23-year-old, who has a history of drug issues, tested positive for marijuana because of secondhand smoke. The hearing wrapped up shortly before 3 p.m.

League spokesman Greg Aiello said he did not expect an immediate resolution and did not know when there will be a ruling on Gordon’s case.

Until he’s told otherwise, Gordon intends to keep practicing. He missed two workouts last week as well as Saturday’s scrimmage in Akron, where Cleveland’s offense struggled without him.

For now, he’s free to play and the Browns are hoping that continues.

“It’s always special to have Josh out there,” cornerback Joe Haden said. “When Josh is out there, it’s like LeBron came back. He’s a big, big part of our offense and a really, really special player.”

Gordon’s situation has hung over the Browns for months, but there at least seems to be an ending in sight. Because he’s in Stage 3 of the league’s substance program, Gordon could receive a one-year suspension and would then have to apply for reinstatement with Commissioner Roger Goodell.

There’s a chance Gordon could get a reduced suspension, and he could be helped by the recent public outcry over the league’s handling of the case involving Baltimore running back Ray Rice, who was given a two-game suspension for domestic violence.

When he was in Canton last week for Pro Football Hall of Fame festivities, Goodell said he was not currently involved in Gordon’s case.

“At some point in time, I may have an opportunity to be involved,” Goodell said. “When I am, I look forward to meeting with him.”

The Browns are eager for a final answer regarding their top playmaker.

Gordon emerged as one of the league’s biggest game-breaking threats last season. Despite being suspended two games and playing with three quarterbacks, Gordon still led the league with 1,646 yards receiving. He scored nine touchdowns and became the only player in league history to record consecutive 200-yard games.

He’s a playmaker, a difference maker and the Browns are hoping to have No. 12 at their disposal for as long as possible.

Browns wide receiver Nate Burleson said football is providing Gordon with a needed outlet during a difficult time.

Gordon needs the Browns as much as they need him.

“It’s kind of a sanctuary for him,” Burleson said. “He had a smile on his face and he cracked some jokes. I just like seeing him on the field. “There are certain guys that the league needs to have on the field and he’s one of them. He’s one of the more premiere talents in the NFL, so I hope that he’s in a Browns jersey this year.”

Cornerback Joe Haden, who is close with Gordon, said his younger teammate has been trying to stay upbeat.

“He’s doing the best he can,” Haden said. “He’s staying positive. At the same time, he has the support of us, his teammates. We’re like his family, so anything he needs he knows we’ve got him. He’s just trying to keep it as positive as he can.”

___

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Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Don’t Settle for Student Loans to Pay for Online Education

By WTOP Staff
Online college programs are becoming a more popular choice for prospective students, with one study finding that more than 6 million students enrolled in at least one online course in fall 2015. The popularity of these courses can be attributed in part to their flexibility with working adults' schedules, students' ability to progress more quickly through online programs and, oftentimes, cheaper tuition. [See 10 low-cost online bachelor's programs for out-of-state students.]Online degrees can be beneficial to many college students, but some studies have shown online learners complete their programs at lower rates than students at traditional brick-and-mortar campuses. Individuals with student loans but no degree comprise two-thirds of defaulted borrowers. Though these numbers are not encouraging, just like for traditional programs, there are ways to reduce how much you'll need to borrow for an online program to ensure you won't become one of these statistics. Don't just settle on borrowing student loans to cover the whole cost of your program and living expenses. Instead, start thinking about how to cut costs and cover your balance in different ways, such as the following. -- Grants and scholarships: Even though you are taking an online course, you can still apply and receive grants and scholarships. But your first step should be to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, commonly referred to as the FAFSA, which will allow you to receive a Pell Grant if your expected family contribution is low enough. The EFC criteria and award amounts are adjusted annually, but the 2017-2018 academic year awards range from $606 to $5,920, which could significantly lower the amount you borrow annually. Your next step is to apply for scholarships. You can start by checking online scholarship search engines, such as the Salt Scholarship Search, College Board's BigFuture and Peterson's. But don't forget to take advantage of local organizations and your school's financial aid office. Both may offer scholarships that you can't find with a national scholarship search. [Review these 10 sites to kick off your scholarship search.]For instance, organizations like the Elks Club, Knights of Columbus or the Rotary Club typically offer scholarships annually to local students. Just because you're going to school online doesn't mean you're ineligible. Visit your local library for scholarship listings, and ask around town. You might be surprised how many local organizations offer scholarships. While these scholarships typically aren't large, every little bit counts. Each dollar you receive in a scholarship is a dollar you don't have to borrow and pay interest on. -- Work-study: Another option for online students may be work-study awards. Not all students enrolled in online programs are eligible, but students at some schools -- including, for example, SUNY Empire State College and Liberty University -- are. Work-study awards are not given upfront like scholarships and grants. In most cases, they are an offer to earn up to the awarded amount if you secure an eligible work-study job. While there is a misconception that all work-study jobs must be on campus, students can work for off-campus, nonprofit or public employers as long as the work is in the public's interest. You may be able to work for a for-profit employer if the job is relevant to your course of study. No matter who the outside employer is, it will need to have an established agreement with your college for you to receive work-study funds. Remember, to be eligible for federal financial aid, you must be enrolled and pursuing a degree or certificate. If you're not working toward a credential, Pell Grants and work-study won't be option, but you may still be able to take advantage of private scholarships -- just be sure to read the eligibility criteria carefully. [Explore what to know about financial aid in online programs.]-- Pay as you go: One of the great benefits to enrolling online is the flexible schedule, which can allow you to complete your college coursework around your responsibilities. But prospective students often overlook using their part- or full-time job earnings as an option for paying for college. Almost 80 percent of college students in 2015 worked at least part time while attending classes, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. By budgeting and thinking strategically about your college costs, you can likely reduce your dependence on student loans by paying a portion out of pocket. Many -- but not all -- online programs are less expensive than traditional programs and often have shorter payment periods. Six, eight or 10 weeks are common course durations. Because of the frequency of payments in an online setting, you may be well-placed to pay as you go and possibly avoid borrowing altogether. Attending college online and avoiding student loans may be challenging, but if you are willing to put in the effort, you can limit the amount you need to borrow. More from U.S. News Q&A: Understanding Student Loan Discharge Eligibility Student Loan Refinancing Isn't Right for All Borrowers
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