Cleveland Browns wide receiver Josh Gordon, who is facing a year-long ban from the National Football League, opened up in an article on the Cauldron on Thursday.
From talking about his own demons and his childhood to putting multiple members of the media on blast, Gordon threw out some information relating to his internal thought process and why the Browns receiver isn’t an “alcoholic.”
Chuck (Charles Barkley), you have never so much as shook my hand, let alone exchanged a single word with me. Few of you have, to be honest. Respectfully, your worry over my “problems” with substance abuse and my twisting descent into darkness and, apparently, my impending death, is misplaced — mostly because you have very little idea what you are talking about. None of you do, even those of you who seem curiously obsessed with the goings-on in my life.
This was in response to a comment the former NBA player made about Gordon facing death if he doesn’t shape up off the field.
Gordon then places his focus on ESPN media personality Stephen A. Smith, who has been one of the most enigmatic individuals in the media world over the years. Gordon’s original take took on Smith’s indication that was “done” with the wide receiver.
You’re done with me, Stephen A.? That presumes we ever actually got started. How, exactly, can you be “done” with someone you have never had a meaningful conversation with beyond a quick First Take spot?
Gordon went on to indicate that he’s happy Smith (and others) have no sympathy for him, because he hasn’t asked for sympathy.
The young Browns receiver then directed his ire at former NFL player and current ESPN analyst Cris Carter.
And Cris, your level of interest in my life is even more puzzling, especially considering we have never met, either. In addition to being concerned about me — like when you publicly called for the Browns cut me so I could learn the same lessons you learned — you also stated as fact that “we are dealing with addiction here.” Know this: We are not dealing with anything, Cris. We are not the same. Not at all.
After expressing remorse for his actions, Gordon indicated that he has not smoked marijuana since before he was drafted in 2012. He also tells us the back story regarding what was a year-long suspension this past regular season being shortened to 10 games. It’s more about being barely over the alcohol limit than anything else, a distinction that courts themselves don’t take into account. But something that the league did.
Seemingly blaming his most recent issues with alcohol on a failure to make the playoffs, Gordon wrote this…
On Jan. 2 of this year, just days after our season ended earlier than we all had hoped — and yes, my actions during the prior offseason definitely contributed to our failure to make the playoffs; it killed me seeing our guys fight so hard when I wasn’t out there with them — I boarded a private flight to Las Vegas with several teammates. During the flight, I had two beers and two drinks. It was the first time I had consumed so much as a drop of alcohol since July 4, 2014, the day of the DWI.
Gordon’s piece, while well argued, does come off as somewhat of a blame game. The media is here to cover stories around the league. And in reality, Gordon’s off-field issues are a story. While yellow journalism is alive and well in the world, the Browns receiver would be better suited getting his act together off the field instead of throwing shade at the media.
He did take responsibility for his actions, which is a step. Gordon also indicated that he failed himself—yet another step. Let’s all hope Gordon (for his sake) gets everything else figured out.