The NFL has announced that Browns WR Josh Gordon will not be allowed to play during the 2015 season and it’s not guaranteed that he’ll get reinstated after next year either.
The NFL will only consider reinstating Gordon after next season concludes. Yes, the NFL could decide to prolong Gordon’s suspension as well:
“Josh Gordon of the Cleveland Browns has been suspended without pay for at least one year for violating the NFL Policy and Program for Substances of Abuse. Gordon’s suspension begins immediately,” the league’s official statement said.
The “at least one year” phrasing indicates that Gordon won’t automatically be reinstated a year from now. Gordon will be eligible to apply for reinstatement in a year, but he would only be reinstated if the NFL is convinced that he is committed to getting clean and staying clean.
Earlier this year, it was reported that Gordon had failed a league substance abuse test when traces of alcohol were found in his system. Gordon claims in an open letter he wrote for Medium that he did have a couple of drinks with teammates after the Browns’ 2014 season concluded. The alcohol ban by the NFL was issued after Gordon was charged with driving while impaired last July.
Browns General Manager Ray Farmer issued a statement on behalf of the team. If nothing else, the Browns sound like their patience is coming to an end:
“As we have conveyed, we are disappointed to once again be at this point with Josh. Throughout his career we have tried to assist him in getting support like we would with any member of our organization. Unfortunately our efforts have not resonated with him. It is evident that Josh needs to make some substantial strides to live up to the positive culture we are trying to build this football team upon. Our hope is that this suspension affords Josh the opportunity to gain some clarity in determining what he wants to accomplish moving forward and if he wants a career in the Nation Football League. We will have no further comment on Josh as he will not be permitted in our facility for the duration of his suspension.”
