Julian Edelman Pleads His Case In ‘Contentious’ Appeal Hearing

Julian Edelman's appeal of his four-game suspension for violating the league's policy on performance-enhancing drugs was heard Monday.

The hearing "lasted most of the day," and was "contentious," NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reported Monday.

Pelissero said no decision is imminent, and it may not come until next week.

"Win, and Edelman would have his four-game suspension vacated," Pelissero said. "Lose, and Edelman could choose to continue his fight in federal court."

Following reports of Edelman's suspension, the Monday Morning Quarterback reported that his result "was triggered by a substance that wasn’t immediately recognizable, and there are scientists analyzing it."

Another one of the arguments being made by Edelman's representatives, according to reports, involves the mishandling of documentation and delivery of Edelman's test results.

"I am very sorry -- I don't know what happened," Edelman posted on Instagram after learning about his suspension. "I've taken many, many tests obviously over the course of my career, and nothing like this has ever happened."

If Edelman's suspension is upheld, he will miss the Patriots' first four games of the regular season (Houston, Jacksonville, Detroit and Miami).