Cleveland Browns wide receiver Josh Gordon broke out in a big way in 2013. In his second season, Gordon hauled in 87 passes led the NFL in receiving yards (1,646) despite playing in just 14 games.
Expectations for 2014 will be tempered with the 23-year-old facing a potentially season-long suspension as a result of a failed drug test.
Immense talent aside, Gordon has had a history of substance related issues. While in college at Baylor, he was was suspended indefinitely after testing positive for marijuana and later transferred out of the program. Gordon was also suspended for the Browns’ first two games of last season for violating the NFL’s substance-abuse policy.
Most people remember Hall of Famer Cris Carter for his time with the Minnesota Vikings, but that opportunity came because of a missed one with the Philadelphia Eagles. Drug and alcohol abuse led to his release from the team after three seasons.
Rarely one to bite his tongue, Carter some interesting comments recently about Josh Gordon and his documented substance issues.
“It’s fairly obvious that (using substances) is more important to him than anything else,” the former Ohio State star told cleveland.com. “It’s always been very, very important to him. It’s well-documented that it’s been primary since early college. Maybe it even goes back to early high school.”
“I’d much rather help an undrafted free agent that has a problem and he says I’ve got a problem and he wants some help, then help a guy who’s first-team All-Pro (and hasn’t reached out),” said Carter.
Carter went on to talk about the impact hitting rock bottom (being cut by the Eagles) had on him and how it served as turning point. Perhaps a season-long suspension would cause a similar effect for Josh Gordon, but for that we will have to wait and see. One thing is for sure, if there’s someone qualified to speak on this subject, it’s Cris Carter.
H/T Eye On Football
