Josh Gordon will miss the entire 2014 season after the NFL upheld the Cleveland Browns star's suspension for another violation of the league's substance-abuse policy.

The NFL announced Wednesday that arbitrator Harold Henderson upheld the suspension for a failed test for marijuana. The Pro Bowler had appealed the ruling and met with Henderson and other league officials in New York on Aug. 4.

Gordon's suspension is effective immediately, and the league said in its statement that his "eligibility for reinstatement will be determined following the 2014 season." Gordon does remain under the care of medical professionals in the NFL treatment program, which includes counseling and rehab, if necessary. He also remains subject to random testing.

In the meantime, Gordon is not allowed to practice with the Browns, attend team meetings or other club functions.

Gordon served a two-game suspension for a drug violation last season but still led the league in yards receiving and emerged as one of the game's top players.

"I'd like to apologize to my teammates, coaches, the Cleveland Browns organization and our fans," Gordon said in a statement released by the NFL Players Association. "I am very disappointed that the NFL and its hearing office didn't exercise better discretion and judgment in my case. I would like to sincerely thank the people who have been incredibly supportive of me during this challenging time, including my family, my agent, my union, my legal team, and the Cleveland Browns staff."

The Browns have been waiting four months for a resolution to Gordon's case, which hung over him and the team. He continued to practice and played in Cleveland's first three exhibition games.

The Browns have been baffled as to why it has taken so long for the league to rule on the appeal and have been increasingly frustrated over where the suspension would leave them and Gordon, team sources told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter.

The NFL upheld its season-long suspension of Browns star receiver Josh Gordon on Wednesday. DavidDermer/Diamond Images/Getty Images

"While we may have strong feelings on the timing and the process of this decision, we have also consistently communicated that we will focus on what we can control in our day to day approach," general manager Ray Farmer said in a statement. "Right now that is preparing our team for the 2014 season and at the same time, supporting Josh however we are able under NFL guidelines during his suspension."

Gordon fought the suspension, hiring attorney Maurice Suh to represent him at the appeal hearing.

Suh, who had successfully gotten a suspension reduced for Seattle cornerback Richard Sherman, argued that Gordon tested positive for marijuana due to secondhand smoke, sources told ESPN last month. Gordon's representatives also said test results of his samples were inconsistent and should be thrown out.

There was speculation that the NFL might go softer on Gordon following the public outcry after Baltimore running back Ray Rice was suspended for two games on a domestic violence charge. Instead, the league is putting Gordon on the sideline for all 16 games and will wait to see how he behaves before deciding whether to let him play again.