Browns Josh Gordon’s substance-abuse hearing set for July
NFL players are suffering suspensions for substance-abuse at an alarming rate on Thursday. According to Mike Florio, no more suspension axes will fall, especially on Josh Gordon Thursday. Gordon, whose year-long NFL banishment was due to his substance-abuse, will have a hearing in July in an attempt to reduce that sentence.
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Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio writes:
"It’s still possible that a hearing won’t be needed, if the NFL and the NFLPA work out a reduced suspension. Gordon reportedly faces a minimum banishment of one year for his latest violation of the substance-abuse policy.If Gordon is suspended for a year, the ban will start immediately. It’s possible that, with a reduced suspension, he’ll be permitted to participate in training camp and the preseason."
Allowing Gordon to practice with his two young quarterbacks could be huge for the offensive development. Of course, the growth wouldn’t be seen until next year, but his ability to practice with the team should keep him in the loop, on schedule to return when allowed, and perhaps, most importantly, in the eyes of the coaches. It might serve Gordon well to have a schedule and a community that wants to look after him.
Gordon, who has struggled mightily with the NFL’s substance-abuse policy, is currently allowed to be tested up to 10 times per month. What’s interesting about Gordon’s suspension — and now Lavon Brazill — is that they are both two-time offenders. But so too is Rokevious Watkins, whose second offense earned him only a four-game suspension. The NFL, however, only has to answer to the NFLPA.