Details are slowly starting to emerge surrounding the Cleveland Browns’ shocking decision to move on from Josh Gordon.
News of the Browns’ intent to part ways with Gordon came out Saturday evening when ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported the team’s intent to release Gordon on Monday. New GM John Dorsey even issued a statement about the matter:
Browns to release WR Josh Gordon
Statement from GM John Dorsey: pic.twitter.com/bQmWraH8Nr
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) September 15, 2018
The news came several hours after Gordon was listed as out for Sunday’s Week 2 game at New Orleans due to a hamstring injury. Even though Gordon had a hamstring injury in the preseason, the injury news seemed odd because the receiver had practiced all week and was not listed on the injury report.
Schefter reports that Gordon hurt his hamstring at a promotional shoot, not a team practice.
Josh Gordon hurt his hamstring at a promotional shoot, not at practice, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 16, 2018
Additionally, Cleveland.com’s Mary Kay Cabot reports that Gordon showed up late to the facility on Saturday and was described as “not himself,” which the Browns believed was a sign of a potential relapse.
ESPN’s Chris Mortensen says this decision was the culmination of many factors and that the Browns no longer felt they could trust Gordon.
Josh Gordon's pending release is inclusive or present and past issues, a team official said. He reported to team facility this morning w/ hamstring issue after practicing all week. Trust and other mitigating factors were cited. There is no convenience for anyone on this action
— Chris Mortensen (@mortreport) September 16, 2018
Cleveland stood by Gordon through multiple suspensions, including two full seasons he missed due to multiple violations of the league’s substance abuse policy. It’s a shame for all parties to see things end this way after all they have been through, but this may not be the end of Gordon’s NFL career.
Schefter says teams are already showing interest in acquiring Gordon via a trade.
Teams already calling the Browns, who league sources believe are far more likely to trade Josh Gordon than release him.
Gordon is a vested vet and is not subject to waivers. So if he is cut, he is a free agent and can sign where he wants, for what he wants.
A lot at stake.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 16, 2018
Gordon had a touchdown catch in the Browns’ Week 1 tie with Pittsburgh.
