Gordon to miss start of Browns camp
to join the Browns soon. Members of the organization are optimistic that can happen.
However, NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy said via email “there is no timetable” for Gordon’s return to the Browns, adding the league hasn’t given Gordon a new suspension.
“There’s no suspension,” McCarthy said. “We will address the matter at the appropriate time.”
Rumors about Gordon failing a drug test had been swirling on social media for weeks, though a person familiar with the situation said he believes Gordon would have already been suspended by the NFL if the rumors were true. Gordon is in stage three of the league’s substanceabuse program, and, according to the rules set forth in the drug policy, a failed test for a player in stage three would result in a suspension of at least a year.
Citing unnamed sources, ESPN’s Adam Receiver Josh Gordon, warming up during the Browns’ organized team activities on June 5 in Berea, says his absence from training camp is for his “overall health and treatment plan.”
Schefter that reported Gordon did not have any slip-ups or failed drug tests but left the Browns to get extra counseling in an effort to prevent a setback.
Browns general manager John Dorsey, in a statement, said Gordon will be placed on the non-football illness reserve list until he is ready to return. The move will likely be made Wednesday or Thursday.
“We will continue to support Josh as he receives the care needed to maintain his
progress,” Dorsey said. “We are going to respect his privacy while he is away from the team.”
Gordon was out of football for most of the past three years because of recurring violations of the substance-abuse policy. He missed 44 consecutive games and 54 of 59 before returning for the final five games this past season, when he caught 18 passes for 335 yards and a touchdown.
Gordon, 27, participated in organized team activities and mandatory minicamp in the spring, (posted on Twitter) To my Cleveland Browns and NFL family, I am reaching out to you all personally and letting you know that I am not only doing great physically but mentally as well. 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 Brown’s organization. Just like you, I am excited to start the season and I have every intention of being ready and available to
and the Browns were pleased with the way he had been handling himself in the offseason, a reason Dorsey and coach Hue Jackson are still supporting him.
After mandatory minicamp ended last month, Gordon continued training in Berea until he left join my teammates soon to help bring winning football to our fans. With the help of the NFL, NFLPA, and the Browns’ organization, I have been able to utilize the resources available to me that will ensure my wellbeing on and off the field. By continuing to follow the plan set up by our medical director and his team and taking this time before this season starts, we believe it will help me maintain the progress I’ve made for not only today but for many years to come. Thank you all for your patience, love, and support! Go Browns! Sincerely, Josh Gordon
a couple of weeks ago as part of his treatment.
If Gordon can return in time for Week 1, he would be expected to start opposite Jarvis Landry. If not, Corey Coleman and Antonio Callaway likely would compete to join Landry in the starting lineup.