Josh Gordon releases statement addressing substance abuse issues
Josh Gordon is hoping to finally prove that he can make it through a full NFL season without a slip-up that results in a suspension or worse, and the New England Patriots wide receiver does not want to discuss his past as he focuses on the future.
In a statement he released on social media Friday, Gordon acknowledged that he had another substance abuse issue toward the end of last year, which resulted in him having to leave the Patriots late in the season. He said he will not get into the details of the latest incident but hopes he will be judged on the way he carries himself going forward.
— Flash Gordon (@JOSH_GORDONXII) September 6, 2019
Gordon violated the terms of his conditional reinstatement last December by reportedly failing multiple drug tests. He signed a restricted free agent tender with the Patriots over the offseason to assure he would remain with the team if and when he was reinstated, and the NFL surprisingly chose not to force him to sit out any games to start 2019.
Gordon has only played in 52 career games since 2012 because of multiple suspensions. The 12 games he played last season were his most in a season since 2013. If he can stay out of trouble, he has a chance to have a huge year as one of the focal points of New England’s offense.
