NBA superstar throws support behind Gordon
James says a ‘loved one’ showed him reality of addiction.
CLEVELAND — LeBron James said he doesn’t know suspended Browns receiver Josh Gordon.
But James said he is familiar with substance abuse because a “loved one” dealt with the issue. He said he hopes Gordon can become the best person he can be even if he never plays in the NFL again.
“It’s very easy to point the finger at people when you don’t know what they’re going through,” James said Tuesday night after the Cavs’ preseason loss to the Chi- cago Bulls at Quicken Loans Arena. “That is a real issue. That is a real thing and it’s a real mental thing.
“Everyone looks at Josh Gordon and is saying, ‘How can you continue to do this and do that? You’re an NFL player making millions of dollars, there’s no way you should be doing this.’ But you never know what someone is going through. Because like I said, it’s a real, real issue. I know firsthand. I know first- hand because a loved one of mine has gone through substance abuse and we had to make sure that we got ‘em professional help because it’s a real situation. So, I applaud Josh for what he’s doing.”
Gordon detailed his issues with drugs and alcohol dating back to his days at Baylor in a mini-documentary posted Tuesday on James’ social media platform Unin- terrupted. The platform for athletes was founded by James and his business partner Maverick Carter.
“I thank him for allow- ing our cameras to actu- ally follow him through- out his rehab,” James said. “And no matter what happens — no matter if he even plays another snap; I know that’s his dream, that would be great to see him out on the field — but no matter if he does that, I just hope he comes out and can be a better person and hope he’s healed.
“Because even when he comes out (of rehab) — I know a lot about this — even when he comes out, it’s still not over. That’s just the begin- ning of being the best man that he can become, so I wish him well.”
Eye on the draft: The 0-5 Browns have been edged by the New York Giants in the race for the No. 1 pick in the 2018 NFL draft.
The Giants’ strength of schedule fell below that of the Browns this week, putting the Giants ahead of the Browns and 49ers, the NFL’s other winless team.
The Browns have five picks in the first two rounds.
Each year, the previous season’s records determine the draft order, and ties are broken by strength of schedule (the aggregate winning percentage of a team’s opponents). If teams finish with identical records and strength of schedule, their records against common opponents in their division or conference are applied. If that doesn’t break the tie, a coin flip is used. Also, beginning in the second round, draft order rotates among teams with identical records.