Gordon delays arrival for therapy
Days before opening training camp, the Cleveland Browns learned Josh Gordon will be missing again.
For how long remains unclear.
The troubled wide receiver, who has been suspended numerous times over the past six years by the NFL for drug violations, said on Twitter that he won’t be with the team for the start of camp as he continues to recover from addictions that have derailed his oncepromising career.
Gordon missed two full years after being indefinitely suspended by Commissioner Roger Goodell and hasn’t played a complete season since 2013, when he led the league in yards receiving and scored nine touchdowns.
While Gordon’s social media post was vague, NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy said the 27-year-old has not been suspended.
“We will address the matter at the appropriate time,” McCarthy said in an email to The Associated Press, adding “there’s no timetable” on Gordon’s return.
Gordon’s disclosure came as the Browns are preparing to begin camp under coach Hue Jackson following a 0-16 season.
The team overhauled its roster during the offseason, adding former Buffalo quarterback Tyrod Taylor, Pro Bowl receiver Jarvis Landry and a few other potential starters in trades before drafting Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Baker Mayfield with the first overall pick.
Gordon had been a major part of Cleveland’s plans for 2018, but those could now be on hold.
In recent weeks, rumors that Gordon failed a drug test circulated on social media. But it wasn’t until he posted his message yesterday that it became known he could be sidelined again.
“I am reaching out to you all personally and letting you know that I am not only doing great physically but mentally as well,” Gordon wrote in a statement directed to “my Cleveland Browns and NFL Family.”
“You will notice that I will not be in Cleveland for the start of training camp. Rest assured, this, too, is a part of my overall health and treatment plan. I appreciate the awesome support I have received from teammates, friends, fans, and the Browns organization. Just like you, I am excited to start the season and I have every intention of being ready and available to join my teammates soon to help bring winning football to our fans.”
Gordon later followed up with a tweet that said, “Thanks again. See ya soon.”
Because he is in Stage 3 of the NFL’s substance-abuse program, Gordon is subject to random drug testing. He faces another indefinite suspension for any violation.
Gordon has missed 43 of Cleveland’s past 48 games because of suspensions.
OBJ will be on time
Odell Beckham Jr. is coming to camp despite not having a long-term contract extension in hand. Not yet, at least. Beckham, per NFL Network, will report on time to the start of Giants training camp tomorrow as he had promised in June, for physicals and conditioning. Rookies, quarterbacks and select vets reported Sunday and began practice yesterday, then the first full team practice is Thursday.
“He wants to play football, and he wants to win,” a source told the network’s Kim Jones.
Back in March, when the Daily News reported the Giants had discussed an OBJ trade with the L.A. Rams, NFL Network reported that Beckham would not step foot on a football field without a new contract. He has one year at $8.4 million remaining on his rookie deal and is coming off seasonending ankle surgery.
So it will be interesting to see whether negotiations pick up and result in a new Beckham contract soon or if any drama picks up in the coming days.
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