NFL Hands Browns’ Josh Gordon Year-Long Suspension
Cleveland Browns wide receiver Josh Gordon is in trouble again and off the field indefinitely.
The NFL announced on Tuesday that the talented 23-year-old pass catcher has been suspended for at least one year for violating the league’s substance abuse policy. He can apply for reinstatement in February 2016. NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport and Albert Breer reported last week the ban was due to a positive test for alcohol, which became a substance Gordon was tested for after a past DWI arrest.
“As we have conveyed, we are disappointed to once again be at this point with Josh,’’ Browns general manager Ray Farmer said in a statement released by the team. “Throughout his career we have tried to assist him in getting support like we would with any member of our organization. Unfortunately our efforts have not resonated with him.’’
In 35 games over three NFL seasons, Gordon has 161 career receptions for 2,754 yards and 14 touchdowns. With a monster 1,646-yard, 9-touchdown campaign in 2013, Gordon seemed capable of establishing himself as a full-fledged NFL star.
But Gordon’s on-field accomplishments have continued to be overshadowed by repeated violations of the NFL’s substance abuse policy. In 2013, he served a two-game suspension following a failed drug test. In 2014, Brown was sidelined 10 games after another positive drug test; he was initially banned for the entire 2014 season, but his punishment was later reduced to 10 games.
After returning to action in 2014, Gordon played five games for the Browns, catching 24 passes for 303 yards. He was then suspended by the team for the final game of the year for a violation of team rules.
The Browns were in playoff contention for most of the 2014 season, going 7-4 through their first 11 games. But the team lost five straight to end the season and saw their hopes for their first postseason berth since 2002 fade away.
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