Multiple hurdles make Josh Gordon-to-CFL nearly impossible

Suspended Cleveland Browns wide receiver Josh Gordon is reportedly looking into playing in the Canadian Football League.

However, a large obstacle stands in his way.

Gordon was given a year-long suspension by the NFL that was upheld on appeal Wednesday. He is eligible to apply for reinstatement following the 2014 season.

The CFL instituted a rule before the start of the 2007 season prohibiting players suspended by the NFL from signing with CFL teams.

The "Ricky Williams Rule" was enacted in response to the controversy caused when the former Miami Dolphins running back signed with the Toronto Argonauts while serving a year-long NFL suspension for violating the league's substance-abuse policy.

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport says the rule will prevent Gordon from signing in the CFL unless the Browns release him.

A CFL spokesman provided confirmation. 

NFL Network's Albert Breer says there is still one way Gordon could end up north of the border.

Breer adds that the CFL could be under antitrust liability if it denies a player work because of an NFL suspension.

The Calgary Stampeders hold Gordon's CFL rights.

The Toronto Argonauts just signed former Indianapolis Colts receiver LaVon Brazill, who was suspended this summer for violating the NFL's substance-abuse policy. 

Brazill was released by the Colts, so the transaction did not violate CFL rules.