The Cleveland Browns have placed wide receiver Josh Gordon on the non-football illness list meaning he will not report to training camp this week. Although many outsiders will view this as a setback in Gordon’s return to the NFL, this is a pro-active move by Gordon to ensure he receives further counseling for his drug addiction. There is some chatter in circles as to why this did not happen sooner, but there are no reports of Gordon running afoul of the league’s substance abuse policy.
For their part, the Cleveland Browns appear to be sticking by Gordon’s side by placing him on the NFI list. General Manager John Dorsey has been pretty quiet about the development, except to say that there is no timetable set for Gordon’s return to the team. The Browns were hoping to have Gordon in camp and working with new quarterbacks Tyrod Taylor and Baker Mayfield, but that will be on hold for now.
Regarding his absence from camp, Gordon released this statement:
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 is trying to calm the nerves of the naysayers and his critics who will look like this is a setback for Gordon. This development is no doubt a setback for Gordon’s playing career with the Cleveland Browns, but at this time it appears to be a move forward for Josh Gordon the person. If he is indeed following through with recommended treatment for his addiction, this decision shows growth and responsible decision making that we would not have expected from Gordon just a short time ago.
The 2012 supplemental draft pick has been one of the league’s best wide receivers when on the field. He led the NFL with 1,646 receiving yards during the 2013 season. However, his off the field issues have derailed his promising career. Gordon has been suspended for over 30 games in his short career.
