NFL Reinstates Browns WR Josh Gordon

(photo credit: zhiphopcleveland.com)

Cleveland Browns wide receiver Josh Gordon has been reinstated on a conditional basis from his indefinite suspension. Gordon was previously suspended indefinitely after violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy for the fourth time in his career.

The NFL announced Gordon’s reinstatement to the league on Monday. Gordon will be suspended for four games, and he will be allowed to participate in training camp, which starts this week. Gordon will also be allowed to play in Cleveland’s preseason games, and he will be allowed to participate in all team meetings and activities. NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said in a letter to Gordon that he has full confidence that Gordon will make the right choices.

Gordon has been suspended three other times for drug violations. He was suspended two games in 2013, 10 games in 2014, and he was banned for the entire 2015 season. Gordon was denied reinstatement in April after he failed a test because of diluted marijuana samples. The amount of marijuana that Gordon took wasn’t enough for a suspension, but it was handled like a positive test. ESPN’s Adam Schefter said in April that Gordon’s reinstatement would be delayed 60-90 days, if there were no “red-flag tests.”

The Browns will now sit down with Gordon to assess whether or not they will hold onto the 25-year-old receiver. Gordon will end his suspension on Oct. 3, and if the Browns retain him, he will play his first game against the New England Patriots in Week 5, which is when Tom Brady will return from his Deflategate suspension. Gordon has hauled in 161 catches, for 2,754 yards and 14 touchdowns in 35 career games with the Browns. Gordon made his first Pro Bowl in 2013, when he lead the league in receiving yards (1,646), and caught nine touchdowns.