The Cleveland Browns will be without stud wide receiver Josh Gordon for the entire 2015 season and potentially even longer.
Josh Gordon suspended: http://t.co/AkL8VcJvFz pic.twitter.com/MSa6SCW8DA
— NFL (@NFL) February 3, 2015
Following a positive test for alcohol consumption last month, the National Football League officially suspended Gordon for a minimum of one year on Tuesday (via Ohio.com).
Josh Gordon of the Cleveland Browns has been suspended without pay for at least one year for violating the NFL Policy and Program for Substances of Abuse,” a statement attributed to a league spokesman read. “Gordon’s suspension begins immediately.”
It’s yet another black eye in what has been a turbulent off-field career for the much-maligned pass catcher.
Prior to testing positive for alcohol use—a banned substance when a player is under discipline for alcohol-related offenses—Gordon’s rap sheet has included a DUI and a positive marijuana test. Remember, Gordon entered the 2012 supplemental draft because of off-field issues at Baylor.
Browns general manager Ray Farmer had the following to say in a statement regarding Gordon’s latest suspension.
As we have conveyed, we are disappointed to once again be at this point with Josh. Throughout his career we have tried to assist him in getting support like we would with any member of our organization. Unfortunately our efforts have not resonated with him. It is evident that Josh needs to make some substantial strides to live up to the positive culture we are trying to build this football team upon.
Our hope is that this suspension affords Josh the opportunity to gain some clarity in determining what he wants to accomplish moving forward and if he wants a career in the Nation Football League. We will have no further comment on Josh as he will not be permitted in our facility for the duration of his suspension.
Gordon had previously taken to the Internet to write an open letter regarding his off-field issues and take some responsibility for his actions. It remains to be seen just how seriously he’s going to take this latest suspension.
This news comes one day after it was announced that Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel had entered himself into a rehab program. Needless to say, Cleveland’s offseason is already off to a rocky start.