The Facts: Gordon, facing a one-year suspension, has hired attorney Maurice Suh, who helped Seattle Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman win his appeal of a contested positive test, a league source said. Suh will work alongside NFLPA attorney Heather McPhee, who has an excellent reputation in league circles, to try to help salvage as much of this season as possible for Cleveland's Pro Bowl wide receiver.

Diehards Line: As ESPN's Adam Schefter suggests, at the very least, Gordon has recognized how important it is to have such strong legal representation. Gordon began working with Suh earlier this month in preparation of an appeal that has been scheduled for Friday. McPhee has been on the case all along. McPhee and Suh -- a partner at Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher, in Los Angeles -- helped Sherman avoid a suspension when they argued that a cup with a broken seal was used during Sherman's urine test. ... We don't expect Gordon to get off lightly -- high-end lawyers notwithstanding. But we'll obviously continue following up as needed. Gordon's hearing is scheduled for Aug. 1.