Josh Gordon Ban Likely to be for 8-16 Games
Soon after landing a potential franchise saving quarterback (Johnny Manziel) in the 2014 NFL Draft, the Cleveland Browns were dealt a crippling blow. Word leaked out that often troubled star wide receiver Josh Gordon could received a full season ban from the league due to marijuana use.
While it was devastating news for the Browns and their fans, nothing has yet come out officially stating whether Gordon is suspended or specifically for how long.
Per Sports Illustrated’s Peter King, though the suspension is real and it could range from 8-16 games.
Gordon was reportedly in “Stage 3” of the league’s substance abuse program stemming from a suspension to start the 2013 season. If Gordon was still in that stage, he could face a full season-long ban.
However, reports suggest it’s possible that he should actually have been in “Stage 2”, which would offer a much more lenient suspension – likely somewhere between 4-8 games.
In other words, we don’t know much yet when it comes to how much time Gordon will be missing. All we know for sure is that he broke a rule and he’s facing some type of suspension.
Gordon blossomed in 2013, picking up where he left off in a very solid rookie season to amass 87 receptions for 1,646 receiving yards and nine touchdowns. At just 23 years old, Gordon was seen as a clear rising star in the league, one that had just begun to tap into his immense potential. Unfortunately, with youth comes stupidity at times, and Gordon may have nipped a budding future in the bud here (no pun intended).
The loss of Gordon for any amount of time puts a damper on the start of Manziel’s Cleveland career, and also potentially leaves the Browns without a big play threat down the field in the passing game. Should Gordon indeed be forced to sit out the entire 2014 NFL season, don’t be shocked if the Browns try to find Manziel some help via a trade.
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