League denies reinstatement for Browns receiver Gordon

The NFL has denied suspended Cleveland Browns receiver Josh Gordon’s application for reinstatement.

“His petition was denied,” NFL vice president of communications Brian McCarthy confirmed in an email. “He may reapply later in the year.”

The decision puts Gordon’s participation for the 2016 season in doubt. Gordon, 24, has been banished from the NFL since Feb. 3, 2015, because of recurring violations of its substanceabuse policy.

On Monday, a source told The Associated Press that a recent leagueadministered drug test “raised a red flag” for Gordon. The source said Gordon didn’t have a positive substance abuse test. But a sample collected in March showed Gordon had traces of marijuana and a diluting substance in his system. The level of marijuana was less than the minimum required by the NFL for a positive test.

Cleveland’s new front office has said little about Gordon, an All-Pro in 2013 who applied for reinstatement in January. Last week, coach Hue Jackson said it was premature to talk about the former Pro Bowler because his situation had not been resolved.

According to league policy, for Gordon to be reinstated he must demonstrate sustained abstinence during his suspension. His past includes several failed marijuana tests in college, too, at Baylor.

DEVELOPMENTS

Briefly: The New England Patriots re-signed LeGarrette Blount. Blount, 29, rushed for 703 yards and six touchdowns last season, but he went on season-ending injured reserve in December with a hip injury . ... Washington Redskins running back Silas Redd has been suspended indefinitely for violating the league’s substance abuse policy. Redd missed last season after injuring right knee ligaments in Washington’s exhibition opener in August. ... The Buffalo Bills signed linebacker Lorenzo Alexander and safety Colt Anderson. The 32-year-old Alexander spent last season in Oakland. Anderson is a sixth-year pro who spent the past two seasons in Indianapolis.