It’s official: Josh Gordon will not play in the NFL at all in 2015, and isn’t assured of playing in 2016, either.
The NFL announced today that Gordon has been suspended and will remain suspended until after next year’s Super Bowl.
“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.
Browns General Manager Ray Farmer released a statement indicating that the team would consider bringing him back in a year, but only if Gordon can demonstrate a commitment to getting his career on track.
“As we have conveyed, we are disappointed to once again be at this point with Josh,” Farmer said. “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.”
Gordon has great talent, and he’s still only 23 years old. He could still turn his life around and become an All-Pro receiver again. Or he could throw it all away and be remembered as one of the saddest wastes of talent in NFL history.