On Sunday, a cryptic tweet from Browns receiver Josh Gordon sparked speculation that he has been reinstated to the NFL after a one-year banishment. Per a source with knowledge of the situation, that hasn’t happened yet.
Gordon tweeted “[a] fresh start” with praying hands emoji at 4:47 p.m. ET.
The former second-round pick in the 2012 supplemental draft was suspended last February after a positive alcohol test while in Stage 3 of the league’s substance abuse program. Subject to multiple drug tests per month while suspended, Gordon presumably has been clean over the past 12 months, or he wouldn’t have applied for reinstatement.
Talented and effective when available to play, Gordon could still be one of the best receivers in the NFL. Unfortunately, he repeatedly has run afoul of league policies aimed at regulating the behavior of players on their own time. Regardless of whether the league should care about players smoking marijuana or drinking alcohol, the league does — and the NFLPA agreed to the rules years ago.