If they do ultimately file the grievance, they'll try to demonstrate that the Browns suspended Gordon to keep him from being unrestricted after next year.
The Browns will have to prove that the ban came after a series of violations and sanctions, and that Gordon's transgression was worse than anyone else's on the team this year -- since no one else has been suspended.
That's why Manziel's tardiness on Saturday is significant. Gordon's advisors can use him as an example of a player who has violated several team rules and not been suspended, including being involved in the fight hours before the team's walk-through on Nov. 22.
Other players, such as No. 8 overall pick Justin Gilbert, have been late for multiple team functions this season and not been suspended. Gilbert and rookie running back Terrance West have been benched or had playing time cut, but haven't been suspended.
The Browns, however, felt they had no choice since Gordon missed the whole walk-through.