When you get suspended for failing a drug test in consecutive seasons, it’s pretty clear where your priorities aren’t totally in order. At least, that’s what Cris Carter thinks about Cleveland Browns stud wide receiver Josh Gordon, who he says needs to get his priorities straight.
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“It’s fairly obvious that [using substances] is more important to him than anything else,” said Hall of Fame receiver Cris Carter, via the Cleveland Plain Dealer. “It’s always been very, very important to him. It’s well-documented that it’s been primary since early college. Maybe it even goes back to early high school.”
Carter speaks not just with sympathy but with empathy. After being cut by the Eagles in 1990 due to drug issues, Carter made an incredible comeback and took control of his drug problems. Carter has worked NFL players through off-field issues in the past and would work with Josh Gordon, but only if Gordon seeks the help first.
“If the building is on fire and the person decides to stay in there, I don’t run in there and get him out,” Carter said. “If you see them breaking the glass, if you see them struggling and trying to get out — that’s my analogy of how I help out the guys in the league and the kids that really, really need help.”
Josh Gordon’s most recent suspension couldn’t come at a worse time. Assuming Johnny Manziel ascertains the starting role, the first-round draft selection and party boy could use Gordon, who led the NFL with 1,646 yards and averaged over 100 yards per game. Imagine what Gordon could have done with 16 games. Instead, he played 14 because of a 2-game suspension from his first drug related suspension.