As part of his reinstatement, the Cleveland Browns wide receiver can report to training camp and play in all preseason games but will be suspended for the first four games of the regular season. A failed drug test initially brought on a season-long suspension before it was reduced to 10 games, and Gordon was also arrested for DWI in North Carolina.
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Gordon met with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell last week.
Gordon can join the team at training camp and participate in meetings, conditioning work and similar activities, according to the NFL.
His reinstatement is on a conditional basis, and he will be able to resume his National Football League career “once arrangements have been confirmed regarding Gordon’s clinical resources in Cleveland”. This would set Gordon up to return in Week 5 against the New England Patriots if he’s on the team. But as you acknowledged, ultimately, your future is your responsibility.
The 25-year-old receiver is still in stage three of the NFL’s substance abuse program, meaning that he’ll have remain clean or he’ll be suspended for at least another season. However, it wasn’t a high enough level of marijuana to constitute a failed test. He tested positive twice at Baylor and was kicked off the team.
NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport first reported Gordon’s conditional reinstatement. The resulting controversy made him a burden that many thought Cleveland could no longer take. He had just four catches for 45 yards. Speaking at his introductory news conference in January, new head coach Hue Jackson was non-committal about his plans for Gordon.
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“Since that day that the suspension was announced, in a sense I was kind of relieved”, Gordon said in December, per Pat McManamon of ESPN.com. “That’s what we have to do with every player, whether that’s Josh Gordon to whoever the last guy is on the roster”. Josh Gordon won the receiving title in 2013 after recording 1,646 yards and nine touchdowns.
