Josh Gordon Suspended One Year by NFL
On Tuesday, the NFL suspended Josh Gordon a wide receiver for the Cleveland Browns for one year. Gordon will not be paid during his suspension for a violation of the league’s substance abuse policy.
It was reported back in late January that Gordon failed a substance abuse test that was issued by the league. This time he failed due to alcohol.
This is the third suspension Gordon has faced. He was also suspended by the Browns during the last week of the regular season after missing team activities.
Due to Gordon’s previous repeated offenses, the league had issued a stipulation of zero drinking.
In a prepared statement, Ray Farmer the Browns general manager said the team was disappointed to be here again with Josh. Throughout his short career, the team has attempted to assist him in receiving support like we do with all members of the organization. However, the organization’s efforts have not resonated with Josh and it is evident he needs to make significant strides to reach the level of positive culture the club is trying to build upon.
Gordon is not allowed by league rules to enter any facilities of the Browns during his suspension. His 2015 salary, which is $1.07 million, will not count against the salary cap for Cleveland.
In 2012, Gordon signed a $5.34 million four-year contract including a $2.3 million signing bonus.
A portion of the signing bonus must be forfeited because of his suspension but he would have an opportunity to earn it back.
He was scheduled originally to become a free agent following the 2015 season, but did not meet a minimum six-game requirement in 2014 to accrue his free agency year due to his previous suspensions. Therefore, his rights are owned by Cleveland in 2016. For the Browns receiver to play in 2016 he would have to apply to be reinstated.
In 2013, Gordon was one of the brightest receivers in the NFL with 87 receptions for 1,646 yards. However, in five games in 2014, he did not score a touchdown, failing to reach 50 yards receiving in three of the five games.
In July of 2014, Gordon was arrested and charged with driving under the influence after he was caught speeding in Raleigh, North Carolina.
He pled guilty last September and was given a suspended jail sentence.
In a letter in the first person, published online, Gordon insisted he was not a drug addict or alcoholic and was upset how television commentators categorized him that way.
The suspension of Gordon comes just one day after news of Johnny Manziel the Browns quarterback voluntarily entering rehab.
He is entering the treatment program as a result of his lifestyle away  from football and informed people last week that are close to him that he needed to figure out what his value system was.
