First we heard that Josh Gordon attended UFC 196 in March with former Browns teammate Johnny Manziel. Then reports emerged on Monday that the pair were actually sharing an apartment in Los Angeles
As a reminder, multiple failed drug tests are what caused the Cleveland wide receiver to be suspended by the NFL for at least a year in February 2015. The “at least” part is significant, because Gordon had to apply for reinstatement, and the newest issue could cause the NFL to keep him out of action for an indefinite period longer.
Gordon did not appear concerned about the development, if a Twitter post Monday was any indication.
Gordon’s issues with substance abuse go back to his days at Baylor, and they caused him to receive a two-game suspension from the NFL in 2013 and a 10-game ban in 2014. During that 14-game 2013 campaign, his second as a pro, Gordon showed immense talent, racking up a league-leading 1,646 yards, with 87 receptions and nine touchdowns, and becoming the first NFL player to go over 200 receiving yards in two straight games.
When Gordon received his suspension, Cleveland officials indicated that they wouldn’t hold their breath waiting for him to be reinstated. However, the team would surely have preferred some clarity on his status before the NFL draft at the end of his month, which now appears unlikely.
In Gordon’s absence, the Browns’ current depth chart at wide receiver is topped by the likes of Andrew Hawkins, Brian Hartline, Taylor Gabriel and Marlon Moore. The team lost its top performer at that position last year, Travis Benjamin, in free agency and cut ineffective veteran Dwayne Bowe.
One recent addition in Cleveland could be particularly anxious for Gordon to be allowed to re-join the team. Quarterback Robert Griffin III, signed as a free agent in March, played with Gordon at Baylor.
