After all that, the NFL has decided to uphold the one-year suspension that it levied against Cleveland Browns wide receiver Josh Gordon. After weeks and weeks of anticipation following Roger Goodell’s meeting with Gordon, the end result of Gordon smoking some marijuana hasn’t changed.
BREAKING: Browns WR Josh Gordon will have 1-year suspension upheld by NFL. (via @AdamSchefter & media reports) pic.twitter.com/jKHNjIJJ1E
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) August 27, 2014
It was yet another off-field setback for Gordon, who has continually found himself in trouble with both the law and the league since entering the NFL as a supplemental pick back in 2012. The former Baylor product led all receivers in yards last season in what was one of the most impressive seasons in recent history at that position.
Unfortunately, Gordon hasn’t been able to keep his head straight off the field. He is also awaiting trial on a DUI arrest from earlier this year.
For the Browns, this is an absolutely huge blow. Gordon is their best player on either side of the ball and simply can’t be replaced. The likes of Miles Austin and Andrew Hawkins, among others, will try (unsuccessfully) to fill in for Gordon as top targets for Brian Hoyer.
Upholding Gordon’s suspension will also continue to place the NFL under scrutiny for double standards in its policies, especially with Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice set to miss only two games after a domestic violence issue earlier this year.
Photo: CBS Sports