Cleveland Browns wide receiver Josh Gordon hasn’t played in a NFL game since December of 2014, finding himself suspended for violating the league’s substance abuse policy multiple times since.
The NFL’s leading receiver from back in 2013 cannot apply for reinstatement until August. Though, he took a crucial step in the process by meeting with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell earlier this week.
Sources: Commissioner Roger Goodell met with #Browns WR Josh Gordon yesterday regarding his return to football. Gordon can reapply on Aug. 1
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 21, 2016
As Rapoport notes, this is part of the entire process. The NFL Media insider also indicates that there’s nothing imminent regarding Gordon’s return from suspension.
It’s going to be up to the dictator-in-chief to decide whether the Browns will have their most-talented offensive weapon back on the field this upcoming season. In this, Goodell is going to take a whole heck of a lot into account.
Remember, Gordon reportedly had his appeal for reinstatement declined back in April after allegedly failing yet another drug test — presumably for marijuana (more on that here).
The NFL’s drug policy may be archaic, but Gordon has only himself to blame for this mess. He knows the league tests for marijuana, and has failed to stay away from the substance multiple times in the past.
Should Goodell deem that there’s still an issue here, it’s highly unlikely that the embattled receiver will return to action this season.