The Browns still don’t know when or if they’ll see Josh Gordon, but there are continued signs that the suspended wide receiver is working toward a comeback.
Hall of Famer Jim Brown told Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer that he’s spoken to Gordon recently and is convinced he’s on the right path.
“I’ve talked with Josh twice on the phone, and the last time I talked with him he sounded very motivated and I think he was in rehab and feeling good about it and discovering some things about himself,’' Brown said. “He really seemed ready to take responsibility for himself.’'
Gordon’s application for reinstatement from his indefinite suspension was turned down by the league in April, and he can apply again on Aug. 1.
The Browns are going to involve the Hall of Fame running back more often in the future (as they should), and Brown said he’s had conversations with owner Jimmy Haslam about Gordon and “about the way that the league handles these guys that smoke pot.’'
Brown went onto say the league’s position on marijuana was archaic.
“Yes it is, because it makes hypocrites out of people,’' Brown said. “It’s legal in some places and illegal in others, so you can’t have a situation where it’s legal in one state and not in another. They have to come to some understanding of it and punishment is not always a way to help somebody. . . .
“Sometimes you have to recognize that they have a psychological problem based on their upbringing, lack of father’s love, trying to be with the boys on the corner. All of those things come into play, and when someone steps in, like in my life, someone stepped in and guided me, and I am beholden to them forever. I am a believer in trying to help people help themselves.’'
Another former Brown, Johnny Manziel, hasn’t shown any signs of trying to get any of that kind of help. And though Gordon was spotted with Manziel early this spring, it’s encouraging that Gordon’s taking the steps needed to get himself back on track and back in the league.