NFL reinstates troubled WR Gordon; suspended for first four games
CLEVELAND — Josh Gordon’s curious and complicated career has taken a new turn. He’s getting yet another chance. The talented but troubled wide receiver has been reinstated on a conditional basis by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, who met face to face with Gordon last week and said he believes the 25-year-old can “make the right choices” going forward.
Gordon has been banned since February 2015 for multiple violations of the league’s drug policies. He will be suspended for the first four games of the 2016-17 season, but he’s allowed to join the team in its upcoming training camp and can participate in meetings and conditioning work.
The league said once Gordon meets clinical requirements, he can take part in preseason activities, including practices and games. The Browns have their first practice of training camp Friday.
It’s a fresh start for Gordon, who emerged as one of the league’s rising stars in 2013 before several missteps led to his banishment. Gordon expressed his gratitude in a message on Twitter. “I’m blessed and grateful to be granted this opportunity,” he wrote. “I can’t wait to get back out there and play the game I love in front of the great fans of Cleveland.
“I want to thank the NFLPA, Commissioner Goodell, the Haslam family and Browns organization, my agent Drew Rosenhaus, as well as my mentors for their continuous support along the way.
“I’ve heard only good things from my teammates about the positive direction the organization is heading and I want to do everything I can to be there to help further that process not only for the team but to better myself as well.”
As long as he stays clean, Gordon, who met with Goodell in New York on July 19, is eligible to return to the team on Oct. 3 and play in the Oct. 9 home game against New England. That’s also the game in which Patriots quarterback Tom Brady will return following his suspension for Deflategate.
During his four-game suspension, Gordon may participate in team meetings and other activities, but can’t practice or play in games.
The Browns said in a statement that would Gordon would be with the team for the start of training camp. “At that time, we will discuss directly with Josh the direction of our team, our expectations of our players and a plan to support him on and off the field,” the statement said.