Report: Josh Gordon failed multiple drug tests, not just for marijuana

Josh Gordon has once again been suspended indefinitely by the NFL for violating the league’s substance abuse policy, and he apparently had more than one slip-up prior to being banned.

Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported on Sunday that Gordon’s latest suspension stems from multiple violations of the NFL’s drug policy. While the exact substances he tested positive for are unknown, marijuana was not the only one.

From @GMFB Weekend: #Patriots WR Josh Gordon had multiple violations of the drug policy and it was more than marijuana, sources say. He has to show he's clean for a sustained period of time to return. pic.twitter.com/pvmJ9nZ4eg

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 23, 2018

There has been a lot of talk in recent years about the NFL taking a more lenient approach to marijuana use, which is why some people felt it would be harsh for Gordon to be suspended indefinitely for using the drug. That is obviously not the only issue.

Rapoport added that it’s possible Gordon could be reinstated by the start of the 2019 season, but that seems unlikely given his lengthy history of substance abuse.

Gordon is somewhat of a unique case in that he is, by all indications, harming only himself. Patriots sources told Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports that the star receiver had been a good teammate in New England and not had any significant disciplinary issues. There was a report earlier in the season that Gordon had violated team rules and would be disciplined, but that ended up sounding like a mix-up.