Browns setting up support system for Josh Gordon in case appeal fails
By Dan Zinski
The Browns hope to hear from the arbitrator – eventually – about Josh Gordon’s appeal of his one-year suspension for violating the league’s substance abuse policy. The ruling on Gordon is expected to come down within the next couple of weeks, and if it happens that Gordon’s ban is upheld, the Browns have a plan in place to support Gordon while he is away from the team.
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Sources tell cleveland.com that the Browns have been reaching out to substance abuse professionals, including former Cavs coach John Lucas, to create a support system for Gordon. There are fears that if Gordon lacks the safety net of a structured team environment, he could lapse again into drug use and threaten his career even further.
Gordon was arrested for DUI in early July and subsequently spent two weeks in rehab at the team’s behest. That incident has raised fears about Gordon’s ability to hold it together during a long suspension.
The Browns may be going out of their way to aid Gordon but there has also been tough talk from team owner Jimmy Haslam who told the media last month:
"“First and foremost, we care about our players,” he said last month. “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.”"
Gordon burst on the scene in 2013, putting up monster stats for the otherwise woeful Browns, but was suspended earlier this offseason for a failed drug test. His appeal case hinges upon the argument that second hand smoke was responsible for the failed test. He has been allowed to practice with the team and participate in preseason games during the appeal process.
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