The Browns are still waiting to hear on Josh Gordon’s appeal of his indefinite suspension.
But they’re putting plans in place now to make sure he’s supported by some form of a team if he loses.
According to Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer, the Browns are making sure Gordon’s not drifting alone if he is suspended.
“First and foremost, we care about our players,’' owner Jimmy Haslam. “We want our players to take care of themselves and make good decisions. We’re going to do everything we can to support him. At the same time, the players have to understand they’re accountable to themselves, to their teammates, to the front office and to our fans. People have to understand that, and I’ll leave it at that.”
They helped him find a rehab facility after his DWI in North Carolina in July, and have reached out to other nearby substance abuse professionals, including former Cavaliers coach John Lucas.
Lucas was a former NBA star who struggled with substance abuse issues, but has since become a counselor for those in similar situations, who previously worked with Cardinals safety Tyrann Mathieu.
The story also notes that Gordon has tested negative for drugs 70 times since he joined the Browns, which lends some context to the argument over the difference in his A and B samples, which is the basis of his appeal.