The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
Browns should welcome Gordon back
It should also be last chance for talented WR
Josh Gordon is getting one more chance to prove he can stay clean and have a career in professional football, and that should be welcome news to the touchdown-challenged Browns.
Gordon, who was suspended for all or part of each of the last three seasons for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy, was reinstated by Commissioner Roger Goodell on July 25 on a conditional basis. Gordon is suspended the first four games of 2016. But on Oct. 3, if he doesn’t stumble again, he can return to practice and resume his career, which showed such promise in 2013 when he led the NFL with 1,646 receiving yards despite being suspended the first two games for what he said was using prescribed cough syrup containing Codeine.
Some fans will say Gordon has already caused so much grief the Browns should turn their back to make an example of him to the rest of the team.
After all, he was suspended the two games in 2013, 10 in 2014 and all of 2015 for various substance abuse violations.
My question is, what good will that do the Browns, who without Gordon last year finished 30th (out of 32) in the league in scoring, dead last in red zone offense and 3-13?
Would the Browns really be better off without Gordon? Do you want them to waive him so he could sign with another team, maybe the Steelers, Ravens or Bengals?
Coach Hue Jackson has a choice. He can show his players he is hard-nosed and stubborn, or he can show them the Browns are family willing to take back a truly repentant prodigal son.
“With the league’s decision to afford Josh the opportunity to resume his career, he will be with us for the start of training camp,” Browns Executive Vice President of Football Operations Sashi Brown said in a statement. “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.”
Goodell did not arrive as the decision to reinstate Gordon casually. He had to be persuaded Gordon really has cleaned up his act. Gordon applied for reinstatement earlier in the year, but in March tested positive for marijuana and a dilute. Goodell and Gordon met face to face last week.
“As we discussed at our (July 19) meeting, as Commissioner, I want nothing more than to see you turn your circumstances around and succeed,” Goodell wrote in a letter to Gordon. “Countless others including your agent, teammates and coaches, Mr. Haslam (Browns owner Jimmy Haslam) and the leadership of the organization, the Program professionals and Jim Brown also have pledged to provide you with every resource at their disposal. But as you acknowledged, ultimately, your future is your responsibility. I have every belief that you can make the right choices, but it will be up to you to do so.”
The announcement by the NFL was made on the very day quarterbacks, rookies and veterans returning from injury reported to Browns training camp.
Gordon can participate in training camp and participate in team activities, conditioning and meetings. According to the reinstatement announcement, “Once arrangements have been confirmed regarding Gordon’s clinical resources in Cleveland,” Gordon will be able to practice and play in preseason games. That process should be an easy one, given the Browns’ ties to University Hospitals.
Assuming all goes well, Gordon’s first game back will be against the New England Patriots on Oct. 9. That will also be Patriots quarterback Tom Brady’s first game back from a four-game suspension for using under-inflated footballs in the Jan. 18, 2015, AFC championship game.
Gordon can attend team meetings and participate in other activities the first four weeks of the season, but he cannot practice or play in games. Remaining a part of the team is critical to keeping a player such as Gordon from relapsing.
A problem-free, dedicated Gordon would be a huge boost to the Browns’ young receiving corps. No one on the roster is close to Gordon in talent.
As it is, Andrew Hawkins is the Browns’ most experienced wide receiver. He is joined by four rookies plus Terrelle Pryor and Taylor Gabriel. Hawkins, Gabriel and Pryor combined for 56 catches and no touchdowns last season.
Forgiving Gordon comes with risks. If he screws up again his career is likely finished — definitely for 2016. The Browns would have to think long and hard about cutting a promising rookie to keep Gordon.
Also, Gordon is in the final year of his contract. To say he owes the Browns a hometown discount in the next contract negotiation after the way they’ve stuck by him is an understatement. On the other hand, Gordon might decide a fresh start with a new team in 2017 would be the best way to avoid the constant questions he’ll face as long as he plays for the Browns.
For now, though, the Browns have to think about the next five months. Gordon makes their team better.