The NFL announced a big decision on Monday, as they reinstated Browns wide receiver Josh Gordon from his indefinite suspension. The reinstatement is on a conditional basis, as Gordon will serve a four-game suspension to begin the 2016 season. He will be allowed to participate in training camp, and can join all team meetings and activities.
Gordon has been ordered to remain with his team while he serves the four-game ban. The league is giving leeway to players on substance-abuse suspensions, as the normal standard is to keep them away from all team activities. The Browns have clarified that they do not have any plans of trading or releasing the receiver. He will be active for all four of Cleveland's preseason games.
Gordon met with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell last week to discuss the conditions of this decision. The commissioner is hoping this route will help make the NFLPA a little happier when it comes to punishing players. Goodell wrote in a letter stating that he has "every belief that Gordon will make the right choices."
The troubled player has been suspended numerous times, including two games in 2013, 10 games in 2014, and the entire 2015 campaign. He filed for reinstatement in April, but was denied after he failed a drug test. The 25-year-old needed to have another "60-90 days of no red flags" before the reinstatement process could re-boot.
The former Pro Bowler had 161 receptions for 2,754 yards and 14 touchdowns in 35 career games before the troubles began. His Pro Bowl season came in 2013, where he recorded 1,646 yards and nine touchdowns. The Browns are hoping that if he remains on the field consistently, the young star can find that success to add some much-needed firepower in the Browns' offense.
Gordon has been ordered to remain with his team while he serves the four-game ban. The league is giving leeway to players on substance-abuse suspensions, as the normal standard is to keep them away from all team activities. The Browns have clarified that they do not have any plans of trading or releasing the receiver. He will be active for all four of Cleveland's preseason games.
Gordon met with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell last week to discuss the conditions of this decision. The commissioner is hoping this route will help make the NFLPA a little happier when it comes to punishing players. Goodell wrote in a letter stating that he has "every belief that Gordon will make the right choices."
The troubled player has been suspended numerous times, including two games in 2013, 10 games in 2014, and the entire 2015 campaign. He filed for reinstatement in April, but was denied after he failed a drug test. The 25-year-old needed to have another "60-90 days of no red flags" before the reinstatement process could re-boot.
The former Pro Bowler had 161 receptions for 2,754 yards and 14 touchdowns in 35 career games before the troubles began. His Pro Bowl season came in 2013, where he recorded 1,646 yards and nine touchdowns. The Browns are hoping that if he remains on the field consistently, the young star can find that success to add some much-needed firepower in the Browns' offense.
