Cleveland Browns wide receiver Josh Gordon isn’t exactly catching on quickly when it comes to resuming his career in the NFL.
This doesn’t make things any easier for new quarterback Robert Griffin III who could really use a gifted receiver such as Gordon at his disposal.
After yet another failed drug test, Gordon now must wait until Aug. 1 to find out if he can reapply for reinstatement. Gordon is serving an indefinite suspension and has not played since the end of the 2014 season.
Showing some support for Gordon, RGIII also has a message to pass along (via Nate Ulrich of the Akron Beacon Journal).
“He knows I’m always there for him no matter what happens, but I’m rooting for him. I hope he understands the situation that he’s in and what’s at stake, and I think he does. But it’s up to him ultimately to make that decision.”
An individual in Gordon’s situation can never have too many supporters. Though, the kind of company Gordon is keeping will continue to lead to questions about him being serious about football.
Gordon and former Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel are now roommates. Gordon also identified himself as one of the people hanging out at a Los Angeles home Manziel rented and reportedly trashed during his stay.
Remnants of drugs were reportedly found at the scene. Even if Gordon was an innocent bystander, this is not a good look.
This past weekend saw Gordon and Manziel together at Coachella’s annual three-day concert in the California desert.
There’s nothing wrong with going to Coachella, but Manziel isn’t exactly the best of influences for Gordon these days.
For the Browns’ sake, Gordon re-entering the league and joining the team should be a much-needed improvement considering the team’s issues at wide receiver. This is provided Gordon leaves his past baggage at the backdoor, deciding to solely focus on football.
Gordon’s best season came in 2013 when he recorded 87 catches for 1,646 yards and nine touchdowns in 14 games. Should the young pass catcher return, he certainly has the talent to make RGIII’s job a little easier.