Antonio Callaway loses appeal, suspended 10 games for drug violation
Antonio Callaway was waived by the Cleveland Browns this week as he faced another suspension for a drug violation in addition to reports that he was late to a game, and the wide receiver is officially ineligible to play until next season.
Callaway has lost his appeal of his 10-game suspension, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports.
Former Browns’ WR Antonio Callaway lost his appeal and now will be suspended for them next 10 games, regular or post-season, for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 15, 2019
If Callaway happens to be signed by another team this year, he would have to sit out 10 games — regular season and/or playoffs — before being reinstated. Given the circumstances, he likely won’t find a suitor until the offseason at the earliest.
Callaway was suspended four games to start the season, which is why his latest drug violation resulted in a lengthier ban. The former Florida star had been trying to win his appeal by claiming he took a tainted CBD product that triggered a positive test, but players almost never win appeals based on ingesting something accidentally.
The Browns made Callaway a healthy scratch for last week’s game against the Buffalo Bills after he was reportedly late to the stadium, and he was then late again to work during the week. Callaway also had character concerns coming out of college.
Callaway, 22, had eight catches for 89 yards this season. He had 43 catches for 586 yards and five touchdowns a year ago.
