Finally we have a verdict regarding the Josh Gordon saga, and although predictable, it’s not a good one.
Josh Gordon was officially suspended by the NFL for one year on Wednesday for violating the league’s substance abuse policy for the second time. The wide receiver led the NFL in receiving yards last season and will have to apply for reinstatement prefacing the 2015 season.
Gordon released the following statement via the NFLPA.
“I’d like to apologize to my teammates, coaches, the Cleveland Browns organization and our fans. I am very disappointed that the NFL and its hearing office didn’t exercise better discretion and judgment in my case. I would like to sincerely thank the people who have been incredibly supportive of me during this challenging time, including my family, my agent, my union, my legal team, and the Cleveland Browns staff.”
According to reports, Gordon met with league arbitrator Harold Henderson to appeal the suspension on Aug. 4, and everyone, including the Browns, have been perplexed as to why it took nearly a month to reach a ruling.
Gordon was suspended the first time after he said he tested positive because of the Codeine in his cough syrup. The second positive test came after Gordon claimed it was from second-hand marijuana smoke.
So now who’s in line to step up and try to fill the Gordon void? It will most likely be 5-foot-7 Andrew Hawkins. The four-year veteran has been the only player to step up and catch passes consistently in the preseason and all reports nearly link him to the No. 1 slot at wideout in Cleveland. A Gordon-less Browns team could also mean more looks for tight end Jordan Cameron, who had a breakout season in 2013.
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Josh Helmuth is the editor of CraveOnline Sports.
Photo Credit: Getty
