CLEVELAND A person familiar with the process says suspended Browns wide receiver Josh Gordon has applied to the National Football League for reinstatement.
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Gordon reportedly was on the trade block before, pulled back by owner Jimmy Haslam. Per the report, Gordon “has been doing well” in his time away from the team and is confident that he will be reinstated.
Gordon was suspended by the league on February 3, 2015 after his third violation of the league’s substance abuse policy.
Gordon will also be interviewed by the league’s medical director and medical adviser, who will make a recommendation to Goodell on Gordon’s reinstatement.
Before his alcohol-related suspensions, Gordon had a history of marijuana-related suspensions in college.
“In support of their applications, players generally put forward verifiable testing records and/or submit to periodic NFL testing during the banishment period”, league spokesman Greg Aiello said in an email. And contract-wise, Gordon is attractive option because his rights are controlled by the Browns for 2016 (his contract tolled a year during the suspension) and wouldn’t be a restricted free agent until 2017.
Gordon tallied 50 catches for 805 yards and five touchdowns in his rookie season – despite missing three games. His penalty was later reduced to 10 games after the league and NFLPA changed their substance abuse policies.
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The 24-year-old has enjoyed great success in his brief NFL career, including leading the league in yards in 2013 with 1,646 despite being suspended for two games. They do, however, have one on the roster: Josh Gordon. Hue Jackson essentially said Johnny Manziel’s off-field issues are going to keep him from playing, so will he hold Gordon to the same standard?
