Josh Gordon reportedly not facing lifetime ban for latest violation

Josh Gordon was suspended indefinitely by the NFL last week for another violation of the league’s substance abuse policy, and many have wondered if he could be banned for life given all the trouble he has been in over the past several years. However, that is apparently not the case.

Jay Glazer of FOX Sports reported on Sunday that Gordon could eventually be reinstated if he can show NFL officials he is “on the straight and narrow and has completely changed his ways.” Glazer added that the substance Gordon tested positive for was not marijuana.

"I think this just goes to show how real addiction is."

The FOX NFL Sunday crew gives their thoughts on Josh Gordon's suspension. pic.twitter.com/qiBTao3KJf

— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) December 23, 2018

Prior to appearing in 11 games this season, Gordon had played in just 11 total since 2013 because of numerous drug violations and an arrest for driving while under the influence. It would not have been a surprise if the NFL banned him for life given all the trouble he has been in, but the league probably wants to show some compassion for a player who has really only been hurting himself.

Gordon shared some disturbing details of his drug and alcohol addiction last year, and the hope was that he had managed to turn his life around and could stay clean with a winning organization. Unfortunately, that was not the case.