The NFL’s leading receiver in yardage last season may not play a down this upcoming season due to issues off the field related to the NFL’s substance abuse policy.
More from Cleveland Browns
- Browns release 2022 draft pick after allegations he threatened a woman
- Browns wave white flag against the Steelers months ahead of time
- NFL Power Rankings: Who is the best quarterback in each division?
- NFL Power Rankings: Which teams will have the best rushing attacks this season?
- NFL rumors: DeAndre Hopkins reunion with former quarterback off the table
Josh Gordon of the Cleveland Browns has blamed second hand smoke on his most recent failed drug test, and has an appeal scheduled for Friday. At first glance, Gordon’s defense seemed dead in the water, and his suspension of a year looked like it would definitely be upheld.
In the light of the recent Ray Rice domestic abuse scandal, and his subsequent lenient two game suspension, rumors are running rampant that the league may in fact go easy on Gordon during the appeal.
Gordon is facing an indefinite suspension due to the fact that he is in Stage 3 of the NFL’s substance abuse policy. Essentially, Gordon has failed multiple tests, and he could be looking at some significant time off.
If rumors are true that the NFL will be lenient on Gordon, he may get a chance to play this season after all. While there is absolutely no way to know how many games he could be suspended, it is more than likely that it will be more than four games.
Earlier this summer Gordon was arrested on DWI charges, but that arrest will not have any impact on his suspension or appeal. The arrest does however highlight the issues that Gordon is dealing with off the field.