The news keeps growing progressively worse for Seattle Seahawks cornerback Brandon Browner.
Two weeks after NFL Media reported that Browner would be suspended for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy, the cornerback turned down a deal that would have significantly reduced his one-year ban.
A league source told NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport on Wednesday that Browner's suspension has escalated from one year to "indefinitely."
Per Rapoport, Browner argued that he missed drug tests while not in the NFL. That appeal was denied because the league had notified him of the tests in writing.
Although Browner earned a Pro Bowl nod as recently as 2011, his play had fallen off in the eight games he played this season. The "Legion of Boom" secondary hasn't missed a beat in his absence. In fact, the unit actually has played two of its most dominant games of the season in victories over the New Orleans Saints and New York Giants in the last three weeks.
Fill-in starter Byron Maxwell was a nominee for NFC Defensive Player of the Week after recording two interceptions and three pass breakups in Eli Manning's worst performance since at least 2006.
A free agent in 2014, Browner shouldn't expect to be welcomed back to Seattle with open arms. Coach Pete Carroll made a Wally Pipp reference when discussing Maxwell's sterling play Wednesday.
The Seahawks rank No. 1 in passing yards allowed and in interceptions, a feat just three other NFL teams have accomplished. Adjusting for era, this pass defense has a chance to be viewed as one of history's best if Seattle brings home the Lombardi Trophy.
Credit goes to Carroll and general manager John Schneider for constructing the only NFL roster deep enough to excel despite the loss of luminaries such as Browner, Walter Thurmond, Percy Harvin, Sidney Rice and K.J. Wright.
Browner took to Twitter on Wednesday, accepting responsibility for his actions but saying he believes in his innocence.
*The latest "Around The League Podcast" broke down the Cowboys loss and every other Week 15 game. *
