Josh Gordon will not be with the Browns as training camp gets underway. Details are murky at this time, but what we do know is that Gordon has not been suspended by the NFL – at least not yet.
There is currently “no timetable for his return,” NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy told Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com. McCarthy added that the league will “address the matter at the appropriate time.”
For now, Gordon will be placed on the non-football illness reserve list until he is ready to return, GM John Dorsey announced. For his part, Gordon released a statement indicating that the camp absence is a part of his treatment program:
To my Cleveland Browns and NFL Family,
I am reaching out to you all personally and letting you know that I am not only doing great physically but mentally as well. You will notice that I will not be in Cleveland for the start of training camp. Rest assured, this, too, is a part of my overall health and treatment plan. I appreciate the awesome support I have received from teammates, friends, fans, and the Browns organization. Just like you, I am excited to start the season and I have every intention of being ready and available to join my teammates soon to help bring winning football to our fans.
With the help of the NFL, NFLPA, and the Browns’ organization, I have been able to utilize the resources available to me that will ensure my well-being on and off the field. By continuing to follow the plan set up by our medical director and his team and taking this time before this season starts, we believe it will help me maintain the progress I’ve made for not only today but for many years to come.
Thank you all for your patience, love, and support! Go Browns!
Sincerely,
Josh Gordon
Gordon first joined the Browns as a second-round pick in the 2012 supplemental draft. All in all, he has appeared in 40 games and recorded 179 receptions for 3,089 yards and 15 touchdowns. In 2013, he led the league with 1,646 receiving yards.
When he’s on the field, he’s one of the best wide receivers in the game. However, off-the-field troubles have kept him off the gridiron for much of his career. If Gordon violated the league’s substance abuse policy again, there could be a lengthy suspension coming his way.
So…did he relapse and this is how they’re “addressing” it? Just feel like any off the field stuff concerning his abuse could have been handled in the off season….interesting….
Maybe. Or maybe he almost had a relapse and needed to take a step back for a little. That or he wants/needs to prepare himself better mentally for training camp.
Must be hitting the pipe again.
Go to meetings, get a sponsor, work the 12 steps… You can do this. It’s not hard if you apply yourself.
Not Hard For Who?
He’s being motivational you idiot
It’s not hard it the stupidest thing I’ve heard. If it wasn’t hard there wouldn’t be addiction problems running rampant in this country. Nothing motivational about that comment. You are Shmoe for real
You have to apply yourself. Read the entire sentence. If you take the suggestions, anything is possible.
It sounds more like this is a planned program to help prepare him for the training camp atmosphere. I was concerned but, if his statement is accurate, this is nothing to be concerned with.
Addiction is a c***.. But to say it’s easy to get over, is kidding themselves as well. I wish Josh all the best.
The statement should be signed ,”Brown’s PR.”