Josh Gordon revealed on Monday that he will not be present when the Cleveland Browns begin training camp this week, but the star wide receiver insisted he is doing well physically and mentally and that his absence is part of his treatment plan. The way the NFL responded to the situation has created some skepticism, however.
Shortly after Gordon issued a statement on Twitter, NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy said there is “no timetable” for Gordon’s return to the Browns and that the matter will be addressed “at the appropriate time.”
NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy on Josh Gordon, whom #Browns have placed on non-football illness list: "No timetable. We'll address the matter at the appropriate time."
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) July 23, 2018
If Gordon is simply missing the start of camp as part of a scheduled treatment plan, why would the NFL be addressing the matter? Gordon remains in Stage Three of the league’s substance abuse program, meaning he can be drug tested up to 10 times per month. If he tested positive or failed to comply, he would be indefinitely suspended for a minimum of one year.
A source told Tom Pelissero of NFL Network that the Browns have no plans to move on from Gordon, so it does not sound as if he has tested positive again.
The #Browns have no plans to move on from Josh Gordon, who has had a great offseason and shown he's on his way to recovery, source said. As GM John Dorsey's statement said, the team continues to support Gordon. He'll be on NFI until he's deemed ready to return.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) July 23, 2018
Gordon has a long history with drug and alcohol abuse that he has been very open about since he was reinstated, so we can’t rule anything out. If nothing else, the timing of his absence is certainly a bit troubling.
