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Ultra-talented wide receiver Josh Gordon was reinstated by the NFL in 2017 after a lengthy drug suspension and rehabilitation, but don’t look for him to be at the start of Cleveland Browns training camp on Wednesday when the rest of his teammates arrive.
Gordon, who has been very open about his drug abuse and addiction, chronicling how he had something in his system “probably every game of his career” and made $10,000 a month selling weed while at Baylor, has looked very fit during the Browns’ offseason workouts.
And while he did return to the field after his reinstatement in 2017, playing in five games and catching 18 passes for 335 yards (18.6 YPC) and a touchdown, this year he will start training camp on the Browns’ NFI list.
Gordon explained why on Twitter…
“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!”
https://twitter.com/JOSH_GORDONXII/status/1021398682619572225
Browns general manager John Dorsey has expressed his support of the decision, “We will continue to support Josh as he receives the care needed to maintain his progress. We are going to respect his privacy while he is away from the team. Josh will be placed on the non-football illness reserve list until he is ready to return.”
The #Browns have no plans to move on from Josh Gordon, who has had a great offseason and shown he's on his way to recovery, source said. As GM John Dorsey's statement said, the team continues to support Gordon. He'll be on NFI until he's deemed ready to return.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) July 23, 2018
NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy said there is currently no timetable for Gordon’s return.
NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy on Josh Gordon, whom #Browns have placed on non-football illness list: "No timetable. We'll address the matter at the appropriate time."
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) July 23, 2018
And for those of you who conspiracy theorists who think Gordon is just taking time off because he’s secretly been suspended again, sources say no.
For anyone suspicious of Josh Gordon's announcement that he won't be at the start of #Browns camp, he's "absolutely not suspended," source said. Continuing to work on his issues, as Gordon said in his tweets.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) July 23, 2018
Meanwhile, Browns fans and anyone who owns Josh Gordon in fantasy football were like…
https://twitter.com/HDKG/status/1021399056051056640