Josh Gordon starts, plays entire first quarter despite discipline report

Josh Gordon was not handled by the New England Patriots on Monday like a player who was being disciplined by the team.

Hours ahead of the Patriots’ game at the Buffalo Bills on Monday night, NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport reported that Gordon would be disciplined by the Patriots for tardiness. Rapoport said Gordon was expected to be kept off the field for several series — about a quarter — and then see regular playing time after that.

Sources: The #Patriots are disciplining WR Josh Gordon during tonight’s game vs. the #Bills because of tardiness. He’s expected to be kept off the field for several series — about a quarter — as they continue to work with & manage him. It’ll be regular playing time after that.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 29, 2018

When the Patriots’ offense came onto the field to start the game, Gordon was out there as a starter. In fact, Gordon appeared to be a usual part of the offense and was targeted three times over the team’s first two drives. He continued to play regularly throughout the second quarter.

So what happened? Was Rapoport’s report inaccurate? That’s possible. But there’s another theory from Rapoport’s colleague, Gregg Rosenthal, who suggested that Belichick might have changed plans to spite Rapoport.

If you’ve read any books about Belichick, he would absolutely change disciplinary plans to spite a reporter.

— Gregg Rosenthal (@greggrosenthal) October 30, 2018

Belichick hates the idea of his team having media leaks, so him changing plans to avoid that perception can’t be ruled out as a possibility.