BROWNS Green's suspension extended; abyss deepens

The NFL's decision makes it unlikely that the troubled running back will play again this season.
CLEVELAND (AP) -- The Cleveland Browns took a big risk two years ago when they drafted William Green. Is the troubled running back worth another one?
That's the dilemma facing the club after learning Tuesday that Green's NFL-imposed suspension for violating the league's substance-abuse policy has been extended.
The league's decision to lengthen Green's ban indefinitely makes it unlikely he will play again this season.
The second-year back was suspended four games on Nov. 8 for a violation involving alcohol. He was already enrolled in the second stage of the league's treatment program.
Green, who was eligible to return to the team Monday, will remain suspended for "treatment purposes."
Paul will make call
The league said commissioner Paul Tagliabue will decide when the 23-year-old can return after consulting with medical experts in the program.
If that doesn't happen until after the season, the Browns will have some tough choices to make on Green. Do they give him a second chance, bring him to training camp and risk Green having a relapse?
Or do they release him and move on?
Browns coach Butch Davis refused to address questions about Green's future on Monday.
"William has some personal issues right now that he has to address," Davis said. "He's got to take care of these things. When those things are taken care of and resolved, we'll decide exactly what William's future is, but right now it's all premature."
Before the 2001 draft, the Browns were aware that Green, whose parents died of AIDS when he was a teenager, was twice suspended for marijuana use at Boston College.
But the club felt it could help Green deal with his problems, and selected him with the 16th overall pick before signing him to a five-year contract worth $12 million if he reached incentives.
When Green got off to a rough start as a rookie, the Browns began to wonder if they made the right choice.
But the speedy 6-foot, 215-pounder emerged in the second half of 2002, rushing for 726 yards in his final seven games to help the Browns qualify for the playoffs.
Browns president Carmen Policy has said the Browns will support Green as long as he continues to show a willingness to get better and make lifestyle changes.
Troubles
Green was suspended by the league after being arrested in October on charges of driving under the influence and marijuana possession. He has a pretrial hearing scheduled for today.
While serving his suspension, Green's fiancee was accused of stabbing him in the back with a steak knife. Asia Gray, 22, was charged with felonious assault and domestic violence.
Police searched Green's home the night of the alleged attack and said they found marijuana in four locations.
Green's whereabouts remain unknown. He recently surrendered his home to Gray, who is living there with the couple's two young daughters. She is under court order not to be within 500 feet of Green.
A phone message seeking comment on the suspension was left Tuesday with Green's agent, Tom Condon.
The Browns have been frustrated with their inability to interact with Green during his suspension because of league rules. On Tuesday, Policy said the club will continue to abide by the league's guidelines.
"Our primary goal, as it has always been, is for William to take the necessary steps to resolving his personal matters," Policy said in a statement. "He continues to have our support."