Josh Gordon Faces Year-Long Suspension

Maybe the nfl made this public knowledge on a Friday afternoon to let cleveland fans down easier, could be worse, the news could have come out on a Monday morning.

There's the rationale of a clevelander

On the bright side he just killed his next contract...

Gotta look for hope somewhere

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He ran the full gauntlet today. Did First Take, Sports Center, Highly Questionable and another show I think. Kinda disgusted that neither the Browns or ESPN told him what's up before they paraded him out there like that.

That is not what is disgusting. The fact that people rely on him and he screwed up HOW MANY TIME NOW is what is disgusting... at least to me. He is the 'victim' of no one but himself.

I can hear the laughter all the way from Pittsburgh.

You know what... SCREW'EM! Screw those punks who hold crap like this over our heads for years now and SCREW JOSH GORDON!

Fine! DO IT THE HARD WAY BROWNS! Dig deep, hit a punk in the mouth, and impose your will! Cuz when the gloves fall you don't want to be the one who backed the Dawgs against the wall.

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He ran the full gauntlet today. Did First Take, Sports Center, Highly Questionable and another show I think. Kinda disgusted that neither the Browns or ESPN told him what's up before they paraded him out there like that.

Huh?

Gordon has known about it since April.

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He ran the full gauntlet today. Did First Take, Sports Center, Highly Questionable and another show I think. Kinda disgusted that neither the Browns or ESPN told him what's up before they paraded him out there like that.

Or, if he did know, then it's disgusting that he went out there as a representative of the Browns.

What an immature ass. If I was one of his teammates, I would seriously be tempted to punch him right in his stupid face. Good Lord, how can a person be so damned stupid? He screwed not only himself, but the Browns, and his teammates as well.

Ugh. Oh well, the Bible says to forgive so now that my rant is over with .........

Hopefully we come up with a starting quality WR to replace him with. I don't see him coming back if this is the year long suspension. I suspect that the Browns will cancel his contract and go after whatever remains of his signing bonus. This kid screwed up his whole career because he had to get high. What a shame for him, and a tragedy for the Browns and their hopes for this coming year.

Time to move forward, I guess.

Never trusted him, never will. And that's why you don't draft multiple-time failed druggies out of college.

Yet another black eye on the H&H regime.

Nice going Holmgren, nice going Heckert, nice going Gordon.

Dumbass's.

I'm still skeptical of the "Source." There is protocol for these results. No one should have access to this info and share with ESPN. Especially on Draft Day. when we are trying to keep everything quiet.

Hoping we faked the "source" for the ultimate SMOKE and mirrors!

I know, I know...

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No one should have access to this info and share with ESPN.

Someone did last year.

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He ran the full gauntlet today. Did First Take, Sports Center, Highly Questionable and another show I think. Kinda disgusted that neither the Browns or ESPN told him what's up before they paraded him out there like that.

Huh?

Gordon has known about it since April.

Didn't hear about that. Thanks.

I wouldn't doubt ESPN on this. It has been picked up everywhere, and no one puts such a huge story out there, on draft day, unless it's verified by a legitimate source.

There were reports last year of Gordon's drug suspension well before there was official word. The team cannot comment on the matter until the NFL lets them.

*Sigh* What a waste of talent.

J/C

Nfl Drug Policy

I implore everyone to read the NFL drug policy and try to understand what will happen for yourself.

For whatever reason I sincerely believe the media is wrong. I don't know how or why they are all wrong, but if you look at the policy Gordon will be suspended 6 games.

Last year he violated the first test within Stage 2 and was banned for four weeks. He argued this down to 2 weeks.

He should now be under the second titled "Discipline for Second Failure to Comply in Stage 2":

A suspension for the period of time to cover six
consecutive regular and post season games
(including the Pro Bowl, if selected) without pay if
the player was suspended pursuant to Section
E.2.b.(1)(b) above.

(If the player has not completed Stage 1 successfully)

Gordon will be suspended six weeks. If I am wrong then the NFL policy needs to be rewritten into english because that is the only way this makes any sense if you read the actual policy. If I am right, the media needs to read the damn policy and stop spouting scare stories.

Gordon is a top 1-5 receiver in this league. He came into the league with an injury history known commonly as "stupidity". I seriously keep this guy as long as his body is working and try to get him to stop using drugs. Players blow out their ACLs and lose their speed. At least with Gordons suspension he is only an idiot, when he comes back he'll be full speed but will continue to be a suspension risk. I can live with that.

He entered into the second policy because of how he did in college or something.

Bon of a sitch!

http://espn.go.com/blog/cleveland-browns/post/_/id/5593/gordon-suspension-would-cost-browns-dearly

BEREA, Ohio -- Cleveland Browns fans could not even celebrate for 24 hours.

Less than a day after fans exulted at the team's selection of Johnny Manziel with the 22nd pick in the NFL draft, news broke via ESPN's "Outside the Lines" that standout wide receiver Josh Gordon faces a one-year suspension for failing a drug test.

The report said Gordon failed a test for marijuana.

Gordon was suspended for the first two games of last season for another failed test, which he attributed to codeine in a prescription cough syrup.

A letter was sent to Gordon in late April informing him of the suspension and telling him he had the right to appeal, OTL's report said.

Incredible.

On March 27, Gordon visited the ESPN offices in Bristol, Connecticut, where he conducted several interviews. One was on the phone with me, during which he talked about many topics related to his career, including his potential for greatness and his status in the NFL's drug program.

Asked if he was walking a tightrope in terms of being in Stage 3 of the program, which means another failure would result in a 12-month calendar suspension, Gordon said, "I’ve been dealing with it since the suspension. I'm going at things full speed. Trying to keep my head down and out of the way."

He said having the game taken away from him was a "humbling" experience that brought him back "down to earth."

"Now you tend to not take as many things for granted," Gordon said, adding, "You change as a person for the better."

He added about his future: "The only thing that can keep me from achieving any of that [greatness] is myself.

"I don’t want to revert back to any kind of negative way or negative behavior," he said. "There’s no roof on potential."

The Browns knew they were walking a tightrope with Gordon. They took him in the second round of the supplemental draft even though he had failed three drug tests in college: two at Baylor and one at Utah.

They also knew of Gordon’s positive tests on the first day of the 2014 draft (per ESPN’s Sal Paolantonio), meaning they followed their plan even though they did not take a receiver to replace Gordon.

If Gordon is suspended -- and rarely do these reports come out for no reason -- Gordon would have let the Browns, and himself, down in a huge way.

The team faces 2014 without its biggest playmaker and key to the team.

In 14 games last season, Gordon set a team record and led the NFL with 1,646 receiving yards. He had 87 catches with nine touchdowns.

Now, Gordon would be banned from the league for one year, then could reapply for reinstatement after that year.

Teams have overcome the loss of players to injury and suspension.

It happens.

But the Browns must deal with the on-field loss of a player who was on the verge of stardom, as well as the psychological blow of losing him less than 24 hours after taking Manziel.

It's almost beyond the pale of legitimate torment for any loyal fan base.

I'd be willing to bet that Gordon is in Stage Three.

I'm in wait ~n~ see mode. However it's not looking good.
However, I'm not going to let this derail my good feel.

If true, it may be time to move on from Gordon. Why should we think he will not
indulge again. Is it a big crime in my mind (smoking pot)- no not at all.
However, there comes a time when beating the system is not in the best interest of the bigger picture. What blows me away is he has been out front all off season, this caught me off guard as I really thought he got it.

Rather than being disappointed w/ the FO for not addressing WR in the draft, I commend them for sticking to their plan

I like to think I am probably wrong. The alternative is that the media is completely incompetent.

But the policy follows a pretty obvious step by step. A 4 game suspension followed by a 6 game suspension. How Gordon is supposed to be leap frogging the 6 game suspension is currently beyond me.

jc

We as Brown fans are the most tortured fans ever. The bad is all we get, and what good that comes - has something bad following it.

Just when I started pimping Gordon and thinking he's all grown up for all the interviews and etc I've watched and listened to. I suppose not.

j/c

if anyone is shocked about this they are foolish. more worried about haden. pretty sure his next is 8 games and the PED thing doesn't go away?

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But the policy follows a pretty obvious step by step. A 4 game suspension followed by a 6 game suspension. How Gordon is supposed to be leap frogging the 6 game suspension is currently beyond me.

You can come into the league in the program, up to Stage Two, I believe.

So, hypothetically, let's say Gordon came into the league in Stage 1.

Fails the first test, Stage Two.

Fails the second test, suspension and Stage Three.

Fails the third test, one year suspension.

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I like to think I am probably wrong. The alternative is that the media is completely incompetent.

But the policy follows a pretty obvious step by step. A 4 game suspension followed by a 6 game suspension. How Gordon is supposed to be leap frogging the 6 game suspension is currently beyond me.

A post I made a while back in the old Gordon suspended two games thread: https://www.dawgtalkers.net/showflat.php?...rue#Post1051986

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Nobody enters the league in stage two of the program. It's somewhat unclear whether he was automatically entered into stage one of the program or not. You can read the policy for yourself but we are almost certainly looking at 2, maybe even 3, violations of the policy since he entered the NFL.

http://images.nflplayers.com/mediaResources/files/PDFs/PlayerDevelopment/2010%20Drug%20Policy.pdf

Start at page 11 Entrance into the intervention stages if you are short on time (from 2010: the new CBA has a reference that the substance abuse policy from 2010 stays in effect)

Stage two does break down into two possible failed tests and the penalty for each is determined by whether or not stage one was successfully completed (not going to summarize the entire policy) and the first failed test is either 4 game fine or 4 game suspension, and the second failed test is either 4 or 6 game suspension, depending on what the first punishment was. Stage two itself is either fine > 4 game suspension or 4 game suspension > 6 game suspension. The two game suspension + 2 game fine seems to be a lesser punishment but is based on a first or second violation while in stage two? I guess the best (worst?) way to find out will be if he is suspended again, and whether it is still stage two and a 6 game suspension or stage three banishment from the league with opportunity to apply for re-instatement after 1 year will tell us what we need to know.

Hopefully it doesn't get to that point. And I wish the NFL could release more info too but by understanding the policy, you can deduce some of the information for yourself. Just realize that the player can say literally anything he wants in relation to violations of the PEDs or substances policies and the NFL can't refute it. There is a $500,000 fine or something ridiculous for those types of confidentiality violations.

Only now instead of 2-3 failed tests/noncooperations, it's 3-4. And given the year suspension, probably 4. Maybe 5 or more if he wasn't automatically entered into stage one of the program and/or that stage was completed/erased early in his career. That's not counting any of the failed tests in college. Dude has a problem.

You might be misunderstanding the punishment for the first failed test in stage two, which does not automatically trigger a suspension.

So it most likely went something like this -->

- POSSIBLY already entered into stage one of the program upon entering NFL-- not sure about this

- failed test in stage one

- two failed tests in stage two, the latter of which triggered the two game suspension this year

- failed test while in stage three, year suspension

As said before, it could easily be more based on a couple other details. Hard to believe, but that's how I'm reading the policy and applying what we know.

edit: reading through the policy again, I suppose it possible that he was put into stage one for behavioral reasons (still not sure if failed college tests apply), and then advanced to stage two for further behavioral reasons. In that case it could be as little as 3 failed tests while in the NFL, and quite possibly more. There's obviously more to this than what we're getting.

J/C

I was waiting for this. If true, he is a dumbass. He could have a hall of fame career. But, some people are just fools.

The thing that bothers me, is how it gets released now. Why would the NFL put this out in the middle of the draft? The timing is suspect and reeks of pay back, or some grudge thing. I wonder if some of Lombardi's buddies sat on this until now to take the wind out of Brown's fans.

It's probably true, but what can you do? I like that they are staying on course with the draft. IMO, it's Gordon's loss.

I would like to add, that above I read a couple post referring to the Rooney's not letting this kind of thing happen. What BS. Santonio Holmes was caught and confessed, and the Rooneys got him off.

I'm sick of people holding the Rooney's up as clean and straight laced. They have had players shooting at police helicopters and used their power to make it disappear. They are not the saints everyone makes them out to be.

Gosh #%^*^€£*>!!! Damn it !!! What the €£¥**^%#!! $&@87@&$ is he thinking?!!!! I can't believe Gordon did this again!! He knew this was his last straw with the league,and the team.I bet the Browns release him.I'm furious about this! Just ruined the whole draft for us.Thanks alot Josh,I hope your God $&@5 high was worth it a$$hole!!

The NFL didn't put anything out. An ESPN reporter dug it out.

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It's almost beyond the pale of legitimate torment for any loyal fan base.

I think this really sums it up, this feels very different. I mean this is just cruel. I get we took a risk on him, we knew what could happen, character is a huge part of any person.

It's cruel to take away that good feeling from a city that has suffered so much, economically, on the field and off. This entire day had felt surreal, like sleep walking. I guess you can't have a dream without a nightmare.

I think what's really interesting is that we've known about this for 2 weeks and haven't made a move, so we might think that he'll beat the case. Just my highly optimistic thought process.

Gordon was suspended in June of last year. I believe that he had to get through June of this year with clean tests to get out of the drug program. Since he did not, he'll be banished from the league. (not suspended) After a year, he can apply for reinstatement. If he ever is reinstated, after a series of clean drug tests, then he will be in stage 3 for the rest of his career.

The excuses go only so far. Smoking pot was more important than his career, teammates, and paycheck. What a shame.

If the Browns knew this,then why didn't they draft Watkins to cover their butts? Something is not adding up here .

His chances are slim and none, but Sherman won an appeal last year.

Let's hope Rosenhaus can dig up some breach of protocol.

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Gordon was suspended in June of last year. I believe that he had to get through June of this year with clean tests to get out of the drug program. Since he did not, he'll be banished from the league. (not suspended) After a year, he can apply for reinstatement. If he ever is reinstated, after a series of clean drug tests, then he will be in stage 3 for the rest of his career.

The excuses go only so far. Smoking pot was more important than his career, teammates, and paycheck. What a shame.

That's not how it works. If that suspension last year was indeed the second failed test while in stage two, he would be advanced to stage three of the program and remain there the rest of his career. If it's true that he is facing a year suspension, then he was in stage three.

edit: and you're right about the banishment thing. I get lazy and type year suspension, but technically it is banishment from the league with opportunity to apply for reinstatement after a year. And it might not be such a clear cut reinstatement in the modern NFL.

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If the Browns knew this,then why didn't they draft Watkins to cover their butts? Something is not adding up here .

Obviously they either did not like him enough to draft him, or they felt that the deal they got for him was too good to pass up.

Watkins if not the same kind of receiver Gordon is. Gordon is a taller, muscular receiver. He can body up smaller DBs. Watkins is shorter, and nowhere near as strong as Gordon is. They are different types of receivers.

He was also arrested in May of 2012 for ........ drug related charges. Yeah, no need to walk that road immediately, especially with the Gordon situation..

I stopped smoking pot for a $13/hr job 15 years ago. Gordon (if true) threw away millions for pot. I'll never understand that.

SMH
/facepalm

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JC.

Rope-a-doped again. Not me this time.
How this is not nearing conspiracy level to keep this franchise down is beyond me.

So glad I was not all warm and fuzzy last night.
I can't imagine how mad I would be.
LMAO over 2500 season tickets? LMAO

....sigh....
And here I thought the implosion would not happen until about week 6.
Silly me.

Next year ... Right?

"How this is not nearing conspiracy level to keep this franchise down is beyond me."

My thoughts exactly!

We had both Watkins and Evans in our grasp! This smells to high heaven!

Well I'll say it,"And with the first pick in the 2015 NFL draft the Cleveland Browns select......."

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I stopped smoking pot for a $13/hr job 15 years ago. Gordon (if true) threw away millions for pot. I'll never understand that.

SMH
/facepalm

Very well stated.

The timing of this, though, still seems really odd to me. The news breaks minutes before the 2nd day of the draft???

I'm trying to figure out if it is not as bad as it is made out to be in terms of length of suspension, is "untrue: like Rosenhaus stated, if ESPN Is just trying to poop on the Browns, or any other scenario that you could think of. '

I also agree with the OP about not drafting Watkins a 'safety valve' if Gordon were to mess up because of prior drug charges. I felt this way prior to yesterday...and remember, we still get another 1st rounder next year; likely an early one.

Whichever way you look at it, the optimist in me says that prolific WR's are nothing but a Shiny Hood Ornament on a rusted out Pinto. I explained this in another post about why we should take a QB over a WR - specifically Manziel. The Seahawks won the Super Bowl without one. We had the best in the NFL last year and won 4 games.

I find it confusing that in Stage 2 a lot of the fines have to do with having already completed Stage 1.

Which makes no sense to me because if you finish stage 1, your next punishment should be stage 1 again. So why does Stage 2 have these part A policies?

If Gordon is suspended a year it will mean that he completed Stage 1 and then failed one or two drug tests (it gets confusing here) which meant he was in Stage 1 twice, finished it once, and failed it hte 2nd time. And then he failed another test while in Stage 2 and was fined four games and I guess we never heard about it.

Then last year would have been his second failure of Stage 2. He would have been suspended four games because he successfully completed Stage 1 and then failed two tests (so he had to both complete and then fail stage 1), and was given a 4 game suspension.

If this were the case he would be in Stage 3 and subject to banishment.

I find the Stage 1 and part A suspensions confusing as crap so we'll see how it shakes out. I'd like to think someone in the media understands policy better than I do so it should be a one year suspension.

Maybe we are tanking the season for Winston, but he may be in jail by then so not sure.

This makes the Manziel pick look like nothing more than a PR stunt to me to fill the stadium....2014 just got a lot less interesting.

I remember people calling Banner a complete idiot for trying to deal this loser. Whats everybody think now? This is the kind of guy that will keep a bad franchise like this one down if you try to rely on them. Just doesn't work. Now looks like maybe they will be forced to release him.

I don't think he ever completed Stage One.

He most likely came into the league in Stage One, failed a test (which never gets disclosed), went to Stage Two, failed another, got suspended and bumped to Stage Three.

The more I think about it, I'm glad it happened now. We should all be. Obviously I would prefer he stay clean, but if he can't control himself, let it be now and not days before the AFCG. We have time to prepare and move on now.

So, with JG we win 4 games, and now without him we draft JFB to fill seats? Yeah that works

So you want JG back so we can win another 4 games? It seems to me that WR is not all you need to win games. I mean JG was the best last yr. and what did that get us.... I want a Team.

Still an idiot for trying to deal him.

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I stopped smoking pot for a $13/hr job 15 years ago. Gordon (if true) threw away millions for pot. I'll never understand that.

SMH
/facepalm

Very well stated.

The timing of this, though, still seems really odd to me. The news breaks minutes before the 2nd day of the draft???

I'm trying to figure out if it is not as bad as it is made out to be in terms of length of suspension, is "untrue: like Rosenhaus stated, if ESPN Is just trying to poop on the Browns, or any other scenario that you could think of. '

I also agree with the OP about not drafting Watkins a 'safety valve' if Gordon were to mess up because of prior drug charges. I felt this way prior to yesterday...and remember, we still get another 1st rounder next year; likely an early one.

Whichever way you look at it, the optimist in me says that prolific WR's are nothing but a Shiny Hood Ornament on a rusted out Pinto. I explained this in another post about why we should take a QB over a WR - specifically Manziel. The Seahawks won the Super Bowl without one. We had the best in the NFL last year and won 4 games.

ESPN just talked to Gordon this morning and now this is released? I don't get this at all...something is not adding up.There is no way the Browns would not know about this beforehand,and then to not draft a WR. This whole deal just sunk my happy ship...

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I remember people calling Banner a complete idiot for trying to deal this loser. Whats everybody think now? This is the kind of guy that will keep a bad franchise like this one down if you try to really on them. Just doesn't work. Now looks like maybe they will be forced to release him.

I thought about this too, if we had traded him last season, everybody would have killed us. We keep him and they kill us because "Josh needs to stay high to be a Brown". We lose either way.

Browns thin at WR if Josh Gordon suspended - ESPN
http://espn.go.com/blog/cleveland-browns/post/_/id/5610/receiving-corps-thin-if-gordon-is-suspended

Cleveland Browns wide receiver Josh Gordon faces a one-year calendar ban from the NFL for a failed offseason drug test.

That's the word from ESPN's Outside the Lines, which broke the news just before the second day of the draft got underway.

Gordon can appeal, but if the Browns lose him it would be a crippling blow to the team's receiving corps, which would look like this if Gordon is suspended, with career catches:
Travis Benjamin, 23 catches, 403 yards, two TDs
Nate Burleson, 457 catches, 5,630 yards, 39 TDs
Josh Cooper, 11 catches, 166 yards, 0 TDs
Tori Gurley, 1 catch, 15 yards, 0 TDs
Andrew Hawkins, 86 catches, 995 yards, four TDs
Charles Johnson, 0 across the board
Greg Little, 155 catches, 1,821 yards, eight TDs
Conner Vernon, 0 across the board

The Browns can add a rookie through the draft (with the third round approaching), but the top three at this moment would be Burleson, Little and Hawkins.

The only saving grace: Name Seattle's starting receivers in their Super Bowl win.

Answer: Doug Baldwin and Jermaine Kearse, with Percy Harvin third and Golden Tate fourth.

So, there's that.

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.2014 just got a lot less interesting.

Being that I was never optimistic to begin with this doesn't bother me at all. I'm just going through the motions as a fan, my heart isn't in it anymore.

I thought it was said at his suspension last year, that his next positive test would result in a year suspension (or the right to ask to be reinstated to the league in a year).

What a moron if this is true. Millions of dollars down the tube-- or I guess up in smoke. Its such a deflating shot to the organization.

And Buffalo just traded Stevie Johnson today for a bag of peanuts- too bad we were not in on that deal.

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I remember people calling Banner a complete idiot for trying to deal this loser. Whats everybody think now? This is the kind of guy that will keep a bad franchise like this one down if you try to really on them. Just doesn't work. Now looks like maybe they will be forced to release him.

I thought about this too, if we had traded him last season, everybody would have killed us. We keep him and they kill us because "Josh needs to stay high to be a Brown". We lose either way.

I can't believe Gordon could be soo totally selfish,and stupid to do this.Get high vs Get to be a star and make millions. Josh= "I'll take option "A" Jim,and get high"...

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I don't think he ever completed Stage One.

He most likely came into the league in Stage One, failed a test (which never gets disclosed), went to Stage Two, failed another, got suspended and bumped to Stage Three.

Stage two he'd need to fail two tests to get bumped into stage 3.

The only way this thing works is if the was fined for his first violation within Stage 2. Which implies he had to successfully complete Stage 1 of the program at some point.

Unless the NFL is somehow violating their own drug policy which I find very unlikely.

Side note. I keep Gordon until he athletically is not a top receiver in this league. Trading him would be dumb.

He could've also come into the league in Stage Two, no?

We'll know soon enough. I suspect that the league won't make these kinds of announcements during the draft, but Monday we'll probably hear something.

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I find it confusing that in Stage 2 a lot of the fines have to do with having already completed Stage 1.

Which makes no sense to me because if you finish stage 1, your next punishment should be stage 1 again. So why does Stage 2 have these part A policies?

If Gordon is suspended a year it will mean that he completed Stage 1 and then failed one or two drug tests (it gets confusing here) which meant he was in Stage 1 twice, finished it once, and failed it hte 2nd time. And then he failed another test while in Stage 2 and was fined four games and I guess we never heard about it.

Then last year would have been his second failure of Stage 2. He would have been suspended four games because he successfully completed Stage 1 and then failed two tests (so he had to both complete and then fail stage 1), and was given a 4 game suspension.

If this were the case he would be in Stage 3 and subject to banishment.

I find the Stage 1 and part A suspensions confusing as crap so we'll see how it shakes out. I'd like to think someone in the media understands policy better than I do so it should be a one year suspension.

I would have to read over the policy again when I'm fresher/soberer. The bits about stage one are pretty confusing as to what constitutes 'completing' it and what, specifically, can lead to entrance into stage one and advancement into stage two.

Stages two and three seem much more clear cut. This is what the policy says as far as discipline for infractions in stage two. Bold is mine, for where I think last year's two game suspension falls. I think it was argued down to two games for possible mitigating factors (perhaps that he was taking codeine as per doctor's instructions, and not drinking sizzzurp. Who knows.)

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b. Discipline.
(1) Discipline for First Failure to Comply in Stage Two: A
player in Stage Two who fails to comply with his
Treatment Plan or fails to cooperate with testing, treatment,
evaluation or other requirements imposed on him by this
Policy, both as determined by the Medical Director, or has
a Positive Test will be subject to:
(a) A fine of four-seventeenths (4/17) of the amount in
Paragraph 5 of the NFL Player Contract if the
player has successfully completed Stage One; and
(b) A suspension for the period of time to cover four
consecutive regular season and post-season
(including Pro Bowl, if selected) games without pay
if he did not successfully complete Stage One.
(2) Discipline for Second Failure to Comply in Stage Two:
A player who has two Positive Tests in Stage Two; or fails
twice, as determined by the Medical Director, to comply
with his Treatment Plan in Stage Two; or has a Positive
Test and fails to comply with his Treatment Plan, as
determined by the Medical Director; or fails to cooperate
with testing, treatment, evaluation or other requirements
imposed on him by this Policy, as determined by the
Medical Director, will incur:
(a) A suspension for the period of time to cover four
consecutive regular and post season games
(including the Pro Bowl, if selected) without pay if
the player was fined pursuant to Section E.2.b.(1)(a)
above; and
17 (2010)
(b) A suspension for the period of time to cover six
consecutive regular and post season games
(including the Pro Bowl, if selected) without pay if
the player was suspended pursuant to Section
E.2.b.(1)(b) above.
(c) The computation of the amount a player must forfeit
and return to his Club as a result of a suspension
under this section and banishment under Section
3.b(2) of this Article is set forth in Appendix D.

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I find it confusing that in Stage 2 a lot of the fines have to do with having already completed Stage 1.

Which makes no sense to me because if you finish stage 1, your next punishment should be stage 1 again. So why does Stage 2 have these part A policies?

If Gordon is suspended a year it will mean that he completed Stage 1 and then failed one or two drug tests (it gets confusing here) which meant he was in Stage 1 twice, finished it once, and failed it hte 2nd time. And then he failed another test while in Stage 2 and was fined four games and I guess we never heard about it.

Then last year would have been his second failure of Stage 2. He would have been suspended four games because he successfully completed Stage 1 and then failed two tests (so he had to both complete and then fail stage 1), and was given a 4 game suspension.

If this were the case he would be in Stage 3 and subject to banishment.

I find the Stage 1 and part A suspensions confusing as crap so we'll see how it shakes out. I'd like to think someone in the media understands policy better than I do so it should be a one year suspension.

"Which makes no sense to me because if you finish stage 1, your next punishment should be stage 1 again."

It doesn't work that way and that's not the way it should be. I'm sorry, but just because you complete it doesn't erase it from happening. They know drug use can go on and on.... I'm thinking they think 3 strikes and your out (or probably out).

He should have wised up last time this happened. Idiot.

I don't care if he's suspended I don't think you send a talent like his packing... especially if you are the Browns. Flame me all you want.

I think we should give Santonio Holmes a call.

A 1 year make it or break it deal.

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I don't care if he's suspended I don't think you send a talent like his packing... especially if you are the Browns. Flame me all you want.

I agree. You have to keep him around.

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I think it was argued down to two games for possible mitigating factors (perhaps that he was taking codeine as per doctor's instructions, and not drinking sizzzurp. Who knows.)

Appendix E, Section 2

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2. A player who is in the Intervention Program and who tests positive a first time due to the abuse of a prescription or over-the-counter drug will be eligible for a reduction from the applicable discipline unless his entry into the Intervention Program was due to the abuse of a prescription or over-the-counter drug.

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I think we should give Santonio Holmes a call.

A 1 year make it or break it deal.

We don't have anything to worry about. Remember, we still have Greg Little!

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I don't care if he's suspended I don't think you send a talent like his packing... especially if you are the Browns. Flame me all you want.

I agree. You have to keep him around.

While I thought I was flying solo with this idea, I just thought, you can't have a guy like that in most football locker rooms. Ironicall, today I thought having JM around him could be a bad idea. Didn't even get to that.

Big question, why does the NFL make this known tonight? Is it just a timing thing where they moved through due process and that time just happen to fall upon tonight?

We can't even be happy for a day!!! Nope,just pull the rug right out from under us...it's always something.

Quote:

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I think it was argued down to two games for possible mitigating factors (perhaps that he was taking codeine as per doctor's instructions, and not drinking sizzzurp. Who knows.)

Appendix E, Section 2

Quote:

2. A player who is in the Intervention Program and who tests positive a first time due to the abuse of a prescription or over-the-counter drug will be eligible for a reduction from the applicable discipline unless his entry into the Intervention Program was due to the abuse of a prescription or over-the-counter drug.

yeah, that. nice catch... again

'Cleveland Browns' Josh Gordon fails another drug test, per report, faces banishment from the NFL'

http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2014/05/josh_gordon_cleveland_browns_s_1.html#incart_2box

By Mary Kay Cabot, Northeast Ohio Media Group on May 09, 2014 at 6:08 PM, updated May 09, 2014 at 8:47 PM

BEREA, Ohio -- On Johnny Manziel day in Berea, news broke that Browns superstar receiver Josh Gordon has failed another drug test and faces banishment from the NFL for at least a year.

Two sources told ESPN's Outside the Lines that Gordon tested positive for marijuana and was informed in early winter. Gordon received a second letter in April notifying him of the pending suspension and his right to appeal, ESPN reported.

Because Gordon is already believed to be in stage three of the NFL's substance abuse policy, as reported last June by cleveland.com, he faces banishment from the NFL for a minimum of one calendar year. After that, he'd have to apply for re-instatement with Commissioner Roger Goodell. Gordon was suspended for the first two games of last season and docked two other game checks for failing a drug test.

Specifially, he said he tested positive for codeine, which was in his prescribed cough syrup. League insiders wondered if he had gotten caught up in the Purple Drank craze, a concoction that includes cough syrup and dissolved candy.

It was at least his second violation of the substance abuse policy, and at least his fifth failed drug test since 2010, including three for marijuana in college.

Reached by ESPN Friday afternoon about the latest failed test, Gordon said: "That's something you're going to have to talk to (agent) Drew Rosenhaus about. I really don't know anything about it."

Asked whether he planned to appeal, Gordon said, "I'm going to have to find out about that later. You need to call Drew.''

Rosenhaus, reached by email, declined to comment. The Browns aren't permitted to comment per league policy and are referring all inquiries to the NFL office.

A source told cleveland.com that some high level members of the Browns organization have known about Gordon's failed test for at least a week, well in advance of Thursday night's first round of the draft. The coaches were told late Friday afternoon, the source said.

It apparently didn't change the Browns' draft strategy. They passed on Clemson star receiver Sammy Watkins, who was available when they traded down from No. 4 to No. 9 with the Bills. The Bills, in turned, grabbed the dynamic wideout, and the Browns traded back up a notch to No. 8 to take Oklahoma State cornerback Justin Gilbert.

Later, they traded up from No. 26 to No. 22 to take Manziel, who conducted his introductory press conference in front of a packed house at the Browns facility Friday and was whisked off to the airport to a chorus of cheers from fans lined up on the sidewalk.

The Browns also let pick No. 35 come and go without taking a wideout to replace Gordon in the event he's kicked out. Instead, they chose Nevada offensive tackle Joel Bitonio, who has the versatility to play guard or tackle.

The looming suspension means the Browns could be without their No. 1 wideout for the entire season -- or longer. Gordon, who was kicked out of Baylor and off the Utah football team for the marijuana violations, returned from his suspension last year to take the NFL by storm.

In 14 games last season, he led the NFL with 1,646 receiving yards on 87 receptions and became the first player in NFL history with consecutive 200-yard receiving games. He also caught nine TD passes en route to his first Pro Bowl berth.

At minicamp last month, Gordon declined to come to the podium, but talked to reporters off to the side and said he was looking forward to another great season.

"(I have) just a lot more experience, going to the Pro Bowl, being selected All-Pro, things like that,'' he said. "It just gives you a lot more motivation, shows you that you can go out there and do it again for however many times and really just build a career and build a resume and just (receive) accolades and good things. not only individually, but hopefully can pile on some wins on top of that for the team.''

Gordon, who has been a regular contributor on ESPN this season, was very public this offseason, also appearing on multiple NFL Network shows during Super Bowl week. He's also filmed commercials and made other public appearances, enjoying his newfound celebrity status.

Former Browns CEO Joe Banner considered trading Gordon last year because of the off-the-field concerns, but others in the organization weren't on board. The Browns passed on several good offers. He made it clear in June that Gordon has to walk the straight and narrow, saying, "Gordon knows that the rope that's left isn't long."

Acquired in 2012's supplemental draft, Gordon knew last September when he returned to the team that not only was his future with the Browns at stake, but with the entire NFL.

“I feel like it’s a last chance opportunity for the league,'' he said. "Nobody just wants a problematic type of person in their program or their organization because of how they’re perceived to be. So I definitely want to stay away from controversy as long as I can, forever. That’s definitely my No. 1 priority."

But Gordon didn't feel the Browns should have to follow his every move.

"Nobody should be a caretaker for me at this point in my life,'' he said. "I should be seen as a grown man and have the responsibility for the actions I'm taking and I have to look at it that way. I can't expect to have to somebody there for me, to be in my ear to do this and do that. You've just got to know right from wrong.''

He said both the suspension and a speeding violation, for which he was reprimanded by the team, changed his mindset.

"It definitely has,'' he said. "Just being taken away from (the game), it's a humbling experience for me. You find an appreciation for the game. The absence of it makes the heart grow fonder in a sense. That's really what it's about for me right now.''

He said he hoped he could regain the trust of his teammates, who went 0-2 and scored only 16 points in his absence.

"I hope that the trust is still there from before,'' he said. "But it's something I'm definitely going to have to earn back I believe through making plays and showing how hard I can go out there during practice and the game, not just myself but everybody. We need to trust together and it's a big commitment thing for me and they have to see that in me."

The Browns signed two free agent receivers in the offseason, Nate Burleson and Andrew Hawkins. Both will most likely be counted on heavily.

The pending suspension wasn't exactly a warm welcome for the Browns new rookie quarterback.

(end)

P.S. If they knew this, and apparently they did, they shouldn't have traded down and should have picked up a receiver in the first round. What the hell???

And Haslam knew it but still traded down and passed on the top WR's? WTF

I don't get it either.

MKC tweeted what I am thinking ...... Gordon better somehow win on appeal.

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I don't get it either.

MKC tweeted what I am thinking ...... Gordon better somehow win on appeal.

If we were a more premier franchise I'd have more reason to believe this .. but, we aren't

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I don't get it either.

MKC tweeted what I am thinking ...... Gordon better somehow win on appeal.

I'm sorry. You're letting your heart over power your sense of reason. He's a goner. We should just move on without him. With his history of failed drug tests, dismissal from colleges (plural) and NFL suspensions he doesn't have even a pinky toe to stand on.

In 20 years he'll be a made for t.v. Movie about a guy who was the best, had it all, and p***ed it all away.

You guys just don't get it. So, we should just blow up our draft and take Watkins because we lose JG? Talk about reaching. Yeah that works. Just like some said we would never win anything without JT. You know how many games a great LT wins ya? Ask Joe, he has one winning season here. I know this hurts, Josh was a great WR, but he was great last yr. and how many games did we win? You think blowing this draft by reaching for a WR is gonna transform us into a playoff team? Don't you want the Team to continue to build for a lasting success? Panic moves don't work. Were getting the BPA by rounds that we have targeted. No use in blowing the whole draft because of one player.

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http://espn.go.com/espn/otl/story/_/id/1...long-suspension

It's also being reported by NFL.com now as well.

If he's banned, he will be following Justin Blackmon out of the league and the Browns should simply cut him loose. I wouldn't want his idiot ass on the team.

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And Haslam knew it but still traded down and passed on the top WR's? WTF

A team can't make adjustments to it's draft strategy because of one guy.

And there are still very good WRs to be taken in the draft.

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I think we should give Santonio Holmes a call.

A 1 year make it or break it deal.

Dude.

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You guys just don't get it. So, we should just blow up our draft and take Watkins because we lose JG? Talk about reaching. Yeah that works. Just like some said we would never win anything without JT. You know how many games a great LT wins ya? Ask Joe, he has one winning season here. I know this hurts, Josh was a great WR, but he was great last yr. and how many games did we win? You think blowing this draft by reaching for a WR is gonna transform us into a playoff team? Don't you want the Team to continue to build for a lasting success? Panic moves don't work. Were getting the BPA by rounds that we have targeted. No use in blowing the whole draft because of one player.

We have a tiny scrambling QB with Greg Little to throw to and life is good. It's more of the same. Don't know how long you've been following the Browns but....1964 was our last championship and our history consists of Red Right 88, The Drive, The Fumble, and the move. Beyond that we have revolving doors from starting QB to coaching staff to owners to big time first round 'passes' on hall of fame players and a stomach full of horrible draft busts.

This draft was over when we took the number three CB prospect with our first pick, then tried to dazzle ourselves with a flurry of unnecessary trades ending with one of the biggest question marks in the drat getting ready to be our 22 or is it 23 starting QB in 14 years... And so what? We got two first round picks next year? With our draft bust history you could give us 32 first round picks and we will still be sitting in front of the TV at home on Super Bowl Sunday.

Panic? Not at all. Reality. Gross negativity? Not at all. Reality.

This just might be it for me.

I'm definitely not a fan of the Manziel pick, but WR's are cheap. You can find them in later rounds, and FA is littered with them.

The 49ers got Boldin and Johnson for a 6th and a 4th.

If this wasn't so incredibly bad, it would be funny.

Adam Caplan ‏@caplannfl 2m
Jeez: @mortreport just said Nate Burleson broke his arm during the recent minicamp for the #Browns.

What can you do when God hates you?

Mort says he's expected back for TC, but you hate to see a re-injury like that.

so... that's a joke, right?

No, not a joke. He broke his arm in mini-camp ... but may be back for training camp. Same arm he broke before though, so that could be problematic.

Hope not. We desperately need him.

Sign Santonio Holmes and Miles Austin.

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And Haslam knew it but still traded down and passed on the top WR's? WTF

A team can't make adjustments to it's draft strategy because of one guy.

And there are still very good WRs to be taken in the draft.

I'm actually thrilled our Rook GM and coach didn't panic and get taken out of their plan! This isnt being built for this year alone and why take a WR you've graded low or don't like because you feel you are forced to.

I'm pretty pleased with these two!

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I'm actually thrilled our Rook GM and coach didn't panic and get taken out of their plan! This isnt being built for this year alone and why take a WR you've graded low or don't like because you feel you are forced to.

I'm pretty pleased with these two!

I agree.

braylon edwards is avail...

J/C ........ Who the heck knows?

I don't know how he gets this reduced ..... but let's hope.

http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/repor...spension-050914

Cleveland Browns wide receiver Josh Gordon will be suspended for the 2014 season due to a second failed drug test, FOXSports.com NFL insider Mike Garafolo has confirmed.

Gordon, who served a two-game suspension without pay and was fined two additional game checks last season for a failed test, allegedly tested positive for marijuana months ago. ESPN first reported the suspension, which Garafolo reports Gordon hopes to knock down to four-to-six games.

ESPN reached out to Gordon by phone and the third-year receiver was evasive.
"That's something you're going to have to talk to [agent] Drew Rosenhaus about. I really don't know anything about it."

According to ESPN's "Outside the Lines," Gordon received a letter over the winter from a doctor affiliated with the NFL saying that he had failed a test. He received a second letter in April in which said he faced a 16-game suspension but can appeal.

This isn't something new for Gordon, who had drug issues during his college days at Baylor.

He was kicked off the team following a second suspension for marijuana use. Gordon's first failed NFL drug test was for what he described as a cough syrup that contained codeine. The latter is listed as a banned substance by the NFL.

The news could throw a serious damper on the Browns, who are just a day removed from celebrating their draft selection of star quarterback Johnny Manziel.

Gordon had a Pro Bowl season in 2013, as he pulled down 87 catches for a league-leading 1,646 yards and nine touchdowns.

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If this wasn't so incredibly bad, it would be funny.

Adam Caplan ‏@caplannfl 2m
Jeez: @mortreport just said Nate Burleson broke his arm during the recent minicamp for the #Browns.

Dang. We better start signing someone or we won't have anybody at WR left. How in the WORLD does our depth at that position get so thin in such a short amount of time. Unheard of.....Someone needs to ask Farmer and company when they intend on drafting or signing a WR.

It almost reminds me of last year, as our RB [position went from strength to "who do we have left that can carry the ball?"

Absolutely heart broken and frustrated regarding this news, sadly though it isn't THAT big of a surprise. I just wonder why we didn't take Sammy Watkins? This front office and coaching staff will no doubt be kicking themselves when our offense can't move the football cause our receivers can't get open or hold onto passes.

I have absolutely ZERO doubt that this team will have TWO top 10 picks next year.

Just our luck.

Only the best and brightest for us Cleveland fans.

I think the reason that we didn;t take Watkins is that Gordon is sitting here with a drug suspension, and Watkins had a pair of drug charges in 2012. He was arrested for marijuana possession, and possession of a controlled substance. That had to scare the crap out of a Browns front office facing the prospect of losing Gordon for good because of drugs.

Why tempt fate again? (especially at #4 overall) Add in that the Bills made a stupid offer for Watkins, and I think that it made it easy to move away from him. We didn't sit at 4 for very long before the trade was announced. We didn't want the Lions to change their minds.

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What can you do when God hates you?

I think it's statistics and balance in the universe, quantum theory-ish. Sports would not be what they are if every team won and lost a bit. I guess that's where we come in, for a while at least.

What I don't understand is how we went from a team ready to possibly contend, to "4-10 same old Browns" just because of one player..

Is Gordon a talented player? Yes of course. But the Lions show that having the best WR in the league doesn't mean everything.

The cupboard is not bare. Yes we will bring more in, but we will be just fine.

Bringing in a rookie WR isn't going to replace Gordons production anyways.

Its time to stop all the doom and gloom. People want the team to change its losing ways. Maybe the fans need to change ther losing mentality.

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Its time to stop all the doom and gloom. People want the team to change its losing ways. Maybe the fans need to change ther losing mentality.

I agree wholeheartedly, #brownsgoodkarma

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If this wasn't so incredibly bad, it would be funny.

Adam Caplan ‏@caplannfl 2m
Jeez: @mortreport just said Nate Burleson broke his arm during the recent minicamp for the #Browns.

Really?...ughhhhhh That's a crusher of a day for us.

I don't think we were going to compete for the playoffs, but the lose of Gordon is huge. He was 40% of our passing offense last year.

He was also one of the few things that gave me hope that Manziel to succeed.

We just lost our best offensive weapon. I don't think it's a losing mentality to be dismayed by that.

Still wondering why this news comes out now? Why not yesterday, Monday, 2 weeks ago?

The infraction sounds like it happened a while ago, why announce now?

Just heard Burleson broke his arm again too. When it rains it pours in Cleveland. Guess it's ground and pound time.

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What I don't understand is how we went from a team ready to possibly contend, to "4-10 same old Browns" just because of one player..

Is Gordon a talented player? Yes of course. But the Lions show that having the best WR in the league doesn't mean everything.

The cupboard is not bare. Yes we will bring more in, but we will be just fine.

Bringing in a rookie WR isn't going to replace Gordons production anyways.

Its time to stop all the doom and gloom. People want the team to change its losing ways. Maybe the fans need to change ther losing mentality.

And who exactly is Hoyer and JM going to pass to? Gordon was a huge weapon for us,and changes how a defense can play us.I don't think this team is going to go 3-13,but this really was a bad day at the office for our offense,any way you cut it.

Browns not concerned about WR depth - Cleveland Browns Blog - ESPN
http://espn.go.com/blog/cleveland-browns/post/_/id/5639/farmer-im-not-concerned-about-depth-at-wr

The first day of the Cleveland Browns draft ended amidst jubilation and celebration.

It turned depressing and mysterious before the first player had even been taken on Day 2.

When word broke via ESPN’s Outside the Lines that Josh Gordon was facing a one-year suspension for failing another drug test, the proverbial wind was out of the proverbial sails.

Later in the night, ESPN’s Chris Mortensen broke the news that Nate Burleson had a fractured arm and would miss the offseason, but would be back for training camp.

If Gordon does miss a year and assuming Burleson returns, the Browns right now have Burleson, Greg Little and Andrew Hawkins as their prime receivers.

General Manager Ray Farmer said he is not concerned about the team’s depth at receiver, though.

“We play games in September,” Farmer said. ”Right now there’s still plenty of opportunities for us to acquire players and to make things happen.”

There’s only one draft, though, and the team’s decision in hindsight to trade down for cornerback Justin Gilbert and not take Sammy Watkins or Mike Evans looms larger if Gordon is suspended. Gordon is the team’s star and playmaker, and the receiving corps would have to depend on guys doing things they haven’t done in the past to succeed.

The Browns didn’t want to comment on Gordon’s situation, and in fairness the league handles the drug-testing program and teams are not supposed to comment on the details.

“Whenever we do have clarity we will express our sentiments then,” Farmer said.

He also did not get into whether he knew about Gordon’s situation, but said he drafts based on the team’s draft board and not on need or a player’s health situation.

“We organize the players, we rank them, we stack them and we stick to it,” Farmer said. “We believe that you do the work for a reason. You take the best players available. You establish your team by going through that process in making sure you draft the best guys in how you had them ordered in who are the best players in college football.”

The Browns went through the second day drafting an offensive lineman, a linebacker and a running back, but no receivers. Farmer said that was because of the way the team rated its players.

“We stuck with our board,” Farmer said. “As we looked at that board when it was our turn to select, we took the name that was the best name for us at that time.”

Thus, the Browns passed on Watkins and Evans because they liked Gilbert better. They passed on receivers on the second day because they liked offensive lineman Joel Bitonio, linebacker Christian Kirksey and running back Terrance West better.

The decision may come back to haunt them. In a sense it’s classic hindsight to look back -- except that Farmer and owner Jimmy Haslam knew of Gordon’s situation before the draft started, according to Mortensen and ESPN’s Sal Paolantonio.

Farmer simply believes he can still address the situation.

“Whether it’s trades, drafting someone the [third] day, players that get cut or we acquire somebody from the street,” Farmer said “there’s always opportunities to acquire players.”

There aren’t a lot of Josh Gordons, and if the Browns lose their top playmaker they may be left trying to win games with potentially a rookie quarterback, and a receiving group without its star.

That could leave the team relying on defense and the run game to win.

It can work, but without Gordon, well, the highs from Manziel sure seemed to dissipate in a hurry.

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If this is true, you cut him tomorrow...you outright cut him

I don't give a damn...he has no trade value now with this, and its just a distraction...he may be a good receiver, but this type of behavior is just unacceptable.

Haslam needs to use this to send a message to this team...that himself, like The Rooney's, won't put up with this nonsense...either you stay clean or your not on the team..very simple concept.

Like the Rooney's? They have a sexual predator at quarterback. Did they Cut tiny ben? And staying "clean" is a relative term man. NFL has no problem with their players eating Percs and Vicodin like candy. The NFL should end testing for weed. It's legal in two States that have teams. Legal by prescription in 20 and DC and I guarantee most NFL players would qualify.

That said, he knew he was one strike away from a years suspension so I have no problem with cutting him as soon as possible. We should have traded him when we had the chance. Take the cap hit this year and cut ties now. Next year we will need the cap space to sign Haden.

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Browns not concerned about WR depth - Cleveland Browns Blog - ESPN
http://espn.go.com/blog/cleveland-browns/post/_/id/5639/farmer-im-not-concerned-about-depth-at-wr

The first day of the Cleveland Browns draft ended amidst jubilation and celebration.

It turned depressing and mysterious before the first player had even been taken on Day 2.

When word broke via ESPN’s Outside the Lines that Josh Gordon was facing a one-year suspension for failing another drug test, the proverbial wind was out of the proverbial sails.

Later in the night, ESPN’s Chris Mortensen broke the news that Nate Burleson had a fractured arm and would miss the offseason, but would be back for training camp.

If Gordon does miss a year and assuming Burleson returns, the Browns right now have Burleson, Greg Little and Andrew Hawkins as their prime receivers.

General Manager Ray Farmer said he is not concerned about the team’s depth at receiver, though.

“We play games in September,” Farmer said. ”Right now there’s still plenty of opportunities for us to acquire players and to make things happen.”

There’s only one draft, though, and the team’s decision in hindsight to trade down for cornerback Justin Gilbert and not take Sammy Watkins or Mike Evans looms larger if Gordon is suspended. Gordon is the team’s star and playmaker, and the receiving corps would have to depend on guys doing things they haven’t done in the past to succeed.

The Browns didn’t want to comment on Gordon’s situation, and in fairness the league handles the drug-testing program and teams are not supposed to comment on the details.

“Whenever we do have clarity we will express our sentiments then,” Farmer said.

He also did not get into whether he knew about Gordon’s situation, but said he drafts based on the team’s draft board and not on need or a player’s health situation.

“We organize the players, we rank them, we stack them and we stick to it,” Farmer said. “We believe that you do the work for a reason. You take the best players available. You establish your team by going through that process in making sure you draft the best guys in how you had them ordered in who are the best players in college football.”

The Browns went through the second day drafting an offensive lineman, a linebacker and a running back, but no receivers. Farmer said that was because of the way the team rated its players.

“We stuck with our board,” Farmer said. “As we looked at that board when it was our turn to select, we took the name that was the best name for us at that time.”

Thus, the Browns passed on Watkins and Evans because they liked Gilbert better. They passed on receivers on the second day because they liked offensive lineman Joel Bitonio, linebacker Christian Kirksey and running back Terrance West better.

The decision may come back to haunt them. In a sense it’s classic hindsight to look back -- except that Farmer and owner Jimmy Haslam knew of Gordon’s situation before the draft started, according to Mortensen and ESPN’s Sal Paolantonio.

Farmer simply believes he can still address the situation.

“Whether it’s trades, drafting someone the [third] day, players that get cut or we acquire somebody from the street,” Farmer said “there’s always opportunities to acquire players.”

There aren’t a lot of Josh Gordons, and if the Browns lose their top playmaker they may be left trying to win games with potentially a rookie quarterback, and a receiving group without its star.

That could leave the team relying on defense and the run game to win.

It can work, but without Gordon, well, the highs from Manziel sure seemed to dissipate in a hurry.

Yeah,I read this article earlier,and it doesn't make me feel better a bit.No star WR is a gut punch to any and all teams.I would have taken Watkins,even before all this news myself.
They could have did that trade with Buf at least.Oh well,just roll with it I guess and see what Ray can come up with.I really want to smash Gordon right now over this,and the timing could not have been worse.

I can't think of many receivers out there...Miles Austin has been crap for the last several years...perhaps vet. Minimum...but not even sure...I think I read like last week that Doug Baldwin still has refused to sign his tender with seahawks? Perhaps a trade for him? Speaking of Baldwin...Jon Baldwin who has been pretty lousy...will be cut loose... I know his light had never came on...but I wouldn't mind seeing him perhaps be invited in camp to make our team...trying to think of others that will be cut...and drawing blanks...hopefully we draft someone good tomorrow

Also is it just me or does there tend to be a lot more drama with our Browns the past couple years...ever since Haslem came aboard it seems...though I'm not pointing fingers at him...just seems we have drama on alot of different levels

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I really want to smash Gordon right now over this,and the timing could not have been worse.

It actually could have been worse. We could have heard about it tomorrow, or Sunday, or Monday, or the first preseason game. Hate to sound like a broken record, why do we hear about this today? Why not yesterday, or tomorrow?

This timing question is killing me, so I will attempt to answer my own question. This infraction happened a while ago, and the NFL wanted due process to run it's course. The NFL was prepared to hand down its punishment, after the draft. The Browns mad so much noise in the first round, that the NFL had to save face, nip this in the bud, and lay down sanctions now.

That's the best I can come up with for now

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Also is it just me or does there tend to be a lot more drama with our Browns the past couple years...ever since Haslem came aboard it seems...though I'm not pointing fingers at him...just seems we have drama on alot of different levels

We are in the conversation and making headlines though...
.....even if it's not the ones we want to be in.

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This timing question is killing me, so I will attempt to answer my own question. This infraction happened a while ago, and the NFL wanted due process to run it's course. The NFL was prepared to hand down its punishment, after the draft. The Browns mad so much noise in the first round, that the NFL had to save face, nip this in the bud, and lay down sanctions now.

The NFL hasn't announced anything.

Reporters broke the story, not an NFL announcement.

I don't understand what's troubling or fishy about it.

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I don't understand what's troubling or fishy about it.

I'm sorry if I'm slow on the uptake, I just don't remember something like this happening in the middle of a Draft

Your right Mr. Farmer, you have plenty of time to fix the WR situation. And it's a good thing you passed on taking a WR in this draft. So there are no excuses. Come September this team better WIN. We better not miss Gordon one little bit. Because if we suck again and can't score a LOT of points? This time next year we'll be hearing from yet another new GM. Haslam is not a patient man.
Neither are the fans. So by all means, stick with your board and don't sweat losing your ONLY playmaker at receiver. Just remember, the clock is ticking. And September is not that far off. Better get it together man.... or Haslam will bring in someone that will. BET on it.

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I don't understand what's troubling or fishy about it.

I'm sorry if I'm slow on the uptake, I just don't remember something like this happening in the middle of a Draft

That may be because things like this don't happen much, as not many players have been dumb enough to fail so many drug tests in a system designed to look the other way.

Reports are that the NFL informed Gordon in late April...I don't see what seems off about that timeline.

Don't worry. We still have Greg Little. And we can probably still resign Davone Bess or we can pick up Washington's receiver Josh Morgan who is still on the free agent market. The name almost sounds like Josh Gordon so that's a good fit. Ocho Cinco is still available, I think. Or has he inked with the Nunuvat Whale Blubbers in the Canadian Football League 'eh? Hello? Terrel Owens? Randy Moss?

I can't believe they stuck with their same draft plans. That's like relying on your smoke detector to save you while your home is fully engulfed in flames.

I see another losing season in our future. 3-13.

Josh Gordon is one of those people who are just self destructive. No matter what is on the line, career--huge money, there is something in their psyche which will not allow themselves to be successful. Very sad.

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Josh Gordon is one of those people who are just self destructive. No matter what is on the line, career--huge money, there is something in their psyche which will not allow themselves to be successful. Very sad.

If you knew you were facing a possible one year suspension or ban from the NFL, why would you go have your number tattooed across your back in huge characters? To impress a future cell mate?

Gordon, you are about the single most IGNORANT SOB on the face of the planet.

You just killed a 10 MILLION a year contract.

We've seen Gordon's LAST play ever on this team. And possibly in the entire league.

CONSISTENTLY getting popped. Really? No helping this A-Hole.

Start looking at Stud WR's in round one next year. Because we will be taking one with one of our TWO 1st Rounders!

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And Haslam knew it but still traded down and passed on the top WR's? WTF

Good Gosh....just quit. Farmer conducted the draft, and I am 100% glad he stuck to his board and didn't allow the selfish act of a selfish player to change the teams plans.

I am sure the Browns were aware of this several weeks ago. Good for them, they stuck to the plan.

Some of you need to quit your whining and crying.

Not to worry, we have our secret weapon, Vince Young moving to WR!

Is Davone Bess still available?

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And Haslam knew it but still traded down and passed on the top WR's? WTF

Good Gosh....just quit. Farmer conducted the draft, and I am 100% glad he stuck to his board and didn't allow the selfish act of a selfish player to change the teams plans.

I am sure the Browns were aware of this several weeks ago. Good for them, they stuck to the plan.

Some of you need to quit your whining and crying.

He sure did stick to the plan and that's OK, looks like we are running the ball and protecting the QB. Gordon must have the mindset of a snail.

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Josh Gordon is one of those people who are just self destructive. No matter what is on the line, career--huge money, there is something in their psyche which will not allow themselves to be successful. Very sad.

Addiction. Yep, it's "just" pot, but it's still addiction.

j/c

I'm a very firm believer that EVERY human is addicted to something (drugs, alcohol, food, shopping, exercise, behavior, etc) ... it's just that some people allow it to destroy their lives (and others' lives)

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He ran the full gauntlet today. Did First Take, Sports Center, Highly Questionable and another show I think. Kinda disgusted that neither the Browns or ESPN told him what's up before they paraded him out there like that.

Wow. You are blaming everyone but Gordon. Make no mistake. It's Gordon who failed multiple tests and got kicked out of two universities, was suspended for two games after one year in the pros, and is now facing at least a one-year suspension after his second year. He is to blame. No one else.

The guy is selfish. It's all about him and not his teammates. That's why I always said never count on a druggie.

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It almost reminds me of last year, as our RB [position went from strength to "who do we have left that can carry the ball?"

Our RB position last year was never a position of strength.

Richardson sucks. McGahee is just too old and worn out. Ogbonnaya can do somethings if he can hold onto the ball. Fumbling problems were his downfall, but being put in as our fullback? That was a joke.

Maybe with Dion Lewis back (when is he due back?), they'll have a bit more depth.

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What I don't understand is how we went from a team ready to possibly contend, to "4-10 same old Browns" just because of one player..

Is Gordon a talented player? Yes of course. But the Lions show that having the best WR in the league doesn't mean everything.

The cupboard is not bare. Yes we will bring more in, but we will be just fine.

Bringing in a rookie WR isn't going to replace Gordons production anyways.

Its time to stop all the doom and gloom. People want the team to change its losing ways. Maybe the fans need to change ther losing mentality.

Indeed. The worst thing about the Gordon situation is that he's cost himself millions of dollars. The Browns lose a talented player but that cannot be allowed to distract them from their goal. We'll be fine.

j/c

I cannot tell you how ticked I am right now. If this proves to be true, I say this year doesn't go against his contract. Meaning if he were to be a UFA next year, now he's not. He owes us a year!

I wanna know who it was in this mans life growing up that didn't spank his ass when he needed it so he would have the character he's lacking to say no to the things he keeps getting sucked into!

What a waste of talent!

j/c:

A lot of comments have been made about how Banner should have made the move to trade him...I'll say the same thing now as I did then...Banner made the right move NOT to trade him. The potential reward far outweighed the risk, IMO, as evidence of having the most receiving yards in the NFL while playing in two less games. They guy's talent is just too good. It's freaking terrible that he could be gone for the year but that's the gamble the team took...And I think it was the right gamble. We simply lost.

Poor form, Gordon if this is true. You potentially have thrown away the opportunity of a lifetime to support your family and have a exciting, rewarding career all for a little grass. Poor form.

No! Nimrod. Cut our throat.

Just clicking.

In 1920 prohibition made alcohol illegal. It was a federal law written on a piece of paper.

It instantly took millions of Americians, who were all law abiding citizens, and made them criminals overnight. All kinds of crazy things ensued.

Otherwise upfront, transparent, honest people began a lifestyle of being involved in the underworld as they sneeked around to secret (illegal) places to get a drink of alcohol. Many were arrested and jailed. Some were shot in gun fights with the police.

And then one day in 1933 the federal government tore up that piece paper with the federal law written on it and alcohol magically became legal again. Nothing else changed. But overnight, all those millions of criminals suddenly became legal, law abiding citizens again.

It's easy to say, "He should have known better". But what if a piece of paper with a federal law written on it takes away some small thing you enjoy?

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“We organize the players, we rank them, we stack them and we stick to it,” Farmer said. “We believe that you do the work for a reason. You take the best players available. You establish your team by going through that process in making sure you draft the best guys in how you had them ordered in who are the best players in college football.”

The Browns went through the second day drafting an offensive lineman, a linebacker and a running back, but no receivers. Farmer said that was because of the way the team rated its players.

“We stuck with our board,” Farmer said. “As we looked at that board when it was our turn to select, we took the name that was the best name for us at that time.”

Hogwash.

They are acting like the makeup of the team doesn't play a huge role into how they make their board. Christian Kirksey was the best player in college football when we picked him? Sorry that is total BS.

Total hogwash.

Makes more sense now why Gordon had come out and said "draft Marqise Lee."

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The Browns lose a talented player but that cannot be allowed to distract them from their goal. We'll be fine.

Agreed. Although we'd be better with Gordon than without, I'm confidant that Farmer will find a way to plug the hole. Likely nobody we get will be as good as Gordon, but we will survive...

There still seems to be something very odd about this test and announcement. I am no expert on NFL drug tests or how they are administered, but they will have exact amount of drugs in his blood, right down to last mcg. I am being optimistic that if it were very trace amounts that could be the appeal/ negotiating portion. If he was at a concert and others were smoking/ second hand smoke, it is a measurement. I have been part of administering drug tests at my workplace and we can dial it in damn close to time and amount due to the test. I certainly hope I am right, and this is why Mr Farmer and company are not overly aggressive about WR's yet. Josh certainly needs to get his crap together, if I am wrong about my suspicions we need to CUT him ASAP. This is not what "being a Brown" is.

Gordon is a legit moron who should be submitted for brain experiments to find out how a human can possibly be this stupid. He has let himself, his family, an organization, and a fanbase of millions down. Mind you, he's done this on the cusp of being a superstar making $50 million+ over a 4-year span. He should probably not have Michael Irvin as a mentor.

Release him and let him hang out with his junkie friends. What an absolute moronic loser. I don't ever want to see him disgrace this team again by being allowed to suit up for even one more play. I have no tolerance for guys like him, it infuriates me.

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But overnight, all those millions of criminals suddenly became legal, law abiding citizens again.

It's easy to say, "He should have known better". But what if a piece of paper with a federal law written on it takes away some small thing you enjoy?

I appreciate your perspective regarding the legalization aspects, but that's not the point.

I want to get high. I want to make millions of dollars. I don't care about the risks. I don't care about the consequences.

Free Agent posted earlier that he quit smoking for a $13 an hour job. Right there is the answer to your question. You do what you have to do and look past your own selfish desire for instant gratification.

Ddubia,

Prohibition took something legal and made it illegal. Weed has been illegal since BEFORE Gordon started smoking it. That's a huge difference.

Well Farmer and Haslam knew for about a week...glad they stuck to their draft plan and didn't variate for a knee jerk reaction to the JERK.

Too bad you cannot trade suspended players - I would trade his butt here and NOW!

As I stepped into the door around 7pm my son greeted me and said something terrible happened I'm like we trade our #35? He laughed and said no with the Browns but not draft related. I couldn't guess so he told me...I was like pfft - nobody wins a championship because of one elite WR...we need around 4-5 good ones. It would have been great with Jordon. Then like everyone I'm thinking are we going to force the pick of a WR at 35? The kid Lee? But then I remembered - Farmer knew, Pettine found out yesterday before the announcement supposedly but Farmer knew. If we traded out of 4 and gave up Watkins...why would we now be desperate for a WR just cause ESPN and the draft experts just found out now we will take a WR...what about Watkins the day before???

So I'm like come on let get my guy Botonano (I'll learn to spell his name...lol

) Oh my gosh two guys I wanted in the top 3 picks - WE GOT!!! Manziel and Botanono. It would be nice if Little steps out of his shell and takes away the brunt of Gordon's loss.

The jerk knew he failed the test and there he was tweeting get Manziel...and then Get Lee! Congratulating Manziel.

Well the only way out of this is if he was not using...and because he was working out in Florida? or somewhere down south he had to drink a lot of water and the diluted thing is what failed his test???

That is our only hope to have him this year is that he takes another test and proves that it was just drinking a lot of water.

Well he made his choice...GET HIGH or play football. F - HIM!

Let him get back have a monster year then trade his ass!

I agree with eotab. We can't let one player, no matter how good he is, ruin the Browns. JG is a jerk, a kid with no care for the players or the fans. Just because he ruins his life doesn't mean he gets to ruin the browns. Farmer has made very very good moves and I agree with him also. there will be a good receiver or two cut and he still may pick up a good receiver in the last rounds. I refuse after following my Browns for 60 years to pack it in due to a immature druggie that doesn't care about anyone other than himself. Go away forever Gordon and good riddance. You cant hurt your players or fans anymore. Just go far away.

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There still seems to be something very odd about this test and announcement. I am no expert on NFL drug tests or how they are administered, but they will have exact amount of drugs in his blood, right down to last mcg. I am being optimistic that if it were very trace amounts that could be the appeal/ negotiating portion. If he was at a concert and others were smoking/ second hand smoke, it is a measurement. I have been part of administering drug tests at my workplace and we can dial it in damn close to time and amount due to the test. I certainly hope I am right, and this is why Mr Farmer and company are not overly aggressive about WR's yet. Josh certainly needs to get his crap together, if I am wrong about my suspicions we need to CUT him ASAP. This is not what "being a Brown" is.

I work as a Substance Abuse Counselor. We drug test our patients and send the urine samples to a laboratory in a very professional manner and we pay a lot of money to this company to ensure accuracy and confidentiality. They can get very specific about any of the drugs that the patients test positive for like you stated above; however, there are many companies that offer drug testing services and they all can have a different threshold that needs to be exceeded for the drug sample to show up as positive. They do this specifically so the patient can not use the "Oh, it must have been second hand smoke" as an argument or to refute a positive result. For example, if there are X mcg's (micrograms) of THC in the urine sample, it is considered positive. It is virtually impossible for the person to inhale enough second hand smoke that would cause the test to show up positive if we're talking "he was at a concert" or something like that.

I have had patients who have flat out denied that the substance in question was in their system whether it was THC, Opiates, Cocaine, etc. When this occurs, we can have the laboratory reexamine the urine sample - and they can break it down to exactly how much mcg's of the substance was in their system and which exact chemical it was that caused the test to be positive. So for example, if it was positive for opiates, they can tell us which opiate it was (Codeine, Morphine, Heroin, Oxycontin, Percocet, Vicodin, etc.). There are also times after reexamining the sample, they state that it was a "cross-reacting substance" and that the test was in fact negative. In other words, it wasn't an opiate but something else that is very similar to an opiate in chemical structure and that this is what the test picked up on; this meaning it was a false-positive.

The problem with this for Gordon is that if it is for Marijuana, there are virtually no "cross reacting substances" with THC that could cause a false positive and the amount of mcg's in his system would simply indicate how long ago he likely used it. The second hand smoke argument is out of the question because even if he inhaled second hand smoke at a concert several hours before he provided the urine sample, it would not be enough mcg's of THC to cause the test to be positive.

If it is a drug such as am Amphetamine or a Benzodiazepine, there are various cross reacting substances that could cause a false positive and some of them can be purchased over the counter like Sudafed which contains an Amphetamine. Or there are many different types of Benzodiazepine in an anesthetic that can have been administered to person that is getting their wisdom teeth removed, for example, or for surgery of any kind.

I think that Gordon is up poop's creek and without a paddle at this point - pending that these reports are true. I am sure that the NFL uses a very reputable company to administer drug tests to the NFL players and the chance that they would make a mistake are slim to none and slim's out of town.

I'm assuming that it got this far because when it first came back positive, Gordon denied it and wanted the sample to be reexamined which afterwards he was informed that was not a false positive and that he was facing a season long (or whatever) suspension. Thing's aren't looking good for him at all at this point.

I think the best case scenario is that he tries to get the amount of time he is suspended reduced and I'm not sure how he goes about doing that. Maybe by voluntarily entering an inpatient rehab facility or some sort of community service? It's kind of like what college programs do after finding out that they violated an NCAA rule.

I don't know guys, I'm just as confused as everyone else and I find of the timing of this to be almost 'too coincidental'. It's released minutes before the beginning of the second day of the draft and after Gordon had been interviewed on Sportscenter among other appearances earlier in the day?

It's just weird. If it's true though which as of right now it appears so, I agree that he should be cut from the team. This definitely contradicts the "Play Like a Brown" mantra that Coach Pettine is trying to instill. I could see if it was his first offense, but unfortunately Gordon has been through this far too many times throughout his collegiate and NFL career.

He has an obvious substance abuse problem and just can not stop even when he knows that he is risking millions of dollars, is letting his entire family down, his teammates, etc. If these things aren't enough to motivate you to stop using drugs, then it seems that nothing will and this man severely needs to enter an extended rehab where he could receive extensive counseling and really try to find himself. This is assuming, however, that Gordon is willing to admit that he has a problem and needs help.

This is why they say in the drug addiction recovery community that in order to get clean and stay clean, you "have to want to do it for yourself" first and foremost. You have to be internally motivated not to use drugs. All of these things that I just listed are external sources of motivation (money, teammates, and even family) meaning that he isn't staying clean for himself.

This man really needs some addiction counseling where he could learn more about the stuff that I am talking about and he has to have a positive attitude and open mind about it if he is ever going to overcome these issues with substance abuse.

I'm so glad the store was out of Josh Gordon jerseys on Thursday! Picked up a Whitner instead.

I think, and maybe its the conspiracy side in me coming out, that Cleveland made such big waves and was looking like the smartest team on the first day that all the haters tried to find any negative news to burst our happiness balloon. They dropped two old stories at the exact moment that we all got excited. That happened for a reason. The media just sucks! They aren't pleased with themselves unless they have more news of the terrible Cleveland curse. We need to ignore the news, stop responding to it and trust the leaders of the team to make the right moves going forward.

Dear lord, can we go at least one year without having one of our best players injured/suspended for the first few weeks of the season?

Bentley blowing out his knee, Leon racing barefoot and getting his foot stepped on, Hadden suspended, Gordon suspended x2. It just never ends. Heck, you can go all the way back to Spielman. When did Jamie Miller get hurt? Was it in preseason too?

I just wonder why I am still here rooting for them and expecting things to change.

I also question the timing of this news release. Does someone have a vendetta against the Browns?

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I think, and maybe its the conspiracy side in me coming out, that Cleveland made such big waves and was looking like the smartest team on the first day that all the haters tried to find any negative news to burst our happiness balloon. They dropped two old stories at the exact moment that we all got excited. That happened for a reason. The media just sucks! They aren't pleased with themselves unless they have more news of the terrible Cleveland curse. We need to ignore the news, stop responding to it and trust the leaders of the team to make the right moves going forward.

It's absurd how much traction this nonsense is getting.

For all you Browns fans that have children (that are at the appropriate age), this is a perfect time to show them how drugs can ruin your life.

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... trust the leaders of the team to make the right moves going forward.

Thank you...

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Well Farmer and Haslam knew for about a week...glad they stuck to their draft plan and didn't variate for a knee jerk reaction to the JERK.

I totally agree with this.

But on the business side of things, after a bazillion season tickets were sold post-Manziel draft, I am seeing a LOT of people angry w/ Haslam. I see people calling it shady that he already knew about Gordon and making Pilot/Flying J fiasco comparisons . . .

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But on the business side of things, after a bazillion season tickets were sold post-Manziel draft, I am seeing a LOT of people angry w/ Haslam. I see people calling it shady that he already knew about Gordon and making Pilot/Flying J fiasco comparisons . . .

Does not matter when Haslam knew. Him or anybody else would not be allowed to say anything. In fact the NFL would throw the book at the Browns if they did. So I don't see the point in anybody being upset with JH or RF.

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Well Farmer and Haslam knew for about a week...glad they stuck to their draft plan and didn't variate for a knee jerk reaction to the JERK.

I totally agree with this.

But on the business side of things, after a bazillion season tickets were sold post-Manziel draft, I am seeing a LOT of people angry w/ Haslam. I see people calling it shady that he already knew about Gordon and making Pilot/Flying J fiasco comparisons . . .

Really? We all knew Gordon was on his third strike. We all knew he'd probably toke up again. We all hoped he wouldn't, but he did. The FO was prepared and stuck with their plan anyway. Shows they are on the same page. Although I do wish they had notified the coaching staff on this.

I'm just speculating. I don't see the point in buying season tickets just because of Johnny Rag-Doll either, so I wouldn't be surprised at all if people got mad at Haslam . . .

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This timing question is killing me, so I will attempt to answer my own question. This infraction happened a while ago, and the NFL wanted due process to run it's course. The NFL was prepared to hand down its punishment, after the draft. The Browns mad so much noise in the first round, that the NFL had to save face, nip this in the bud, and lay down sanctions now.

The NFL hasn't announced anything.

Reporters broke the story, not an NFL announcement.

I don't understand what's troubling or fishy about it.

And the NFL isn't going to announce it during the draft. This is their spectacle ...... that they moved to May to make even bigger ...... they don't want an ugly story overshadowing the draft.

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It almost reminds me of last year, as our RB [position went from strength to "who do we have left that can carry the ball?"

Our RB position last year was never a position of strength.

Richardson sucks. McGahee is just too old and worn out. Ogbonnaya can do somethings if he can hold onto the ball. Fumbling problems were his downfall, but being put in as our fullback? That was a joke.

Maybe with Dion Lewis back (when is he due back?), they'll have a bit more depth.

In camp we had Dion lewis, who was to team with Trent Richardson to build on a solid rookie year. We had Montario Hardesty and the guy who was with the Packers in the past, whose name escapes me now. We also had Obi.

Yeah, we had RB depth in the preseason .... until we didn't anymore.

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j/c

I cannot tell you how ticked I am right now. If this proves to be true, I say this year doesn't go against his contract. Meaning if he were to be a UFA next year, now he's not. He owes us a year!

I wanna know who it was in this mans life growing up that didn't spank his ass when he needed it so he would have the character he's lacking to say no to the things he keeps getting sucked into!

What a waste of talent!

His contract is suspended for the year if he is.

j/c

I have to laugh at all of those who are acting like it's "one player". It's not. It's two. both our first and second WR. One due to weed and one due to a broken arm that is actually a re-brake. So how can we even depend on that arm moving forward?

Yet people wish to applaud a FO that ignores that?

People will find any excuse to make up things to try to rationalize this.

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He ran the full gauntlet today. Did First Take, Sports Center, Highly Questionable and another show I think. Kinda disgusted that neither the Browns or ESPN told him what's up before they paraded him out there like that.

Wow. You are blaming everyone but Gordon. Make no mistake. It's Gordon who failed multiple tests and got kicked out of two universities, was suspended for two games after one year in the pros, and is now facing at least a one-year suspension after his second year. He is to blame. No one else.

The guy is selfish. It's all about him and not his teammates. That's why I always said never count on a druggie.

Calm down there, buddy. I didn't know Gordon was informed about this 2 weeks ago when I made that post.

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... trust the leaders of the team to make the right moves going forward.

Thank you...

maybe they think it wont be year long suspension?

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... trust the leaders of the team to make the right moves going forward.

Thank you...

maybe they think it wont be year long suspension?

didn't this happen to blackman? he had a 8 week suspension?

Blackmon had a four game suspension, and then an indefinite ban. He can apply for reinstatement after this season.

As far as indefinite drugs bans, go, there's Blackmon, Tanard Jackson (twice), and Brandon Browner.

Browner got his reduced to 4 games, but that was due to the fact that the suspension came about because he skipped NFL drug tests while playing in the CFL.

Rosenhaus is going to have to seek out some breach of protocol in the testing to win an appeal, IMO. Richard Sherman's people did it, so it's possible, but unlikely.

ok thanks

Question for those "in the know"................

Gordon is/was to be a Free Agent in 2016.

"WHEN" he's thrown out of the league for at least a year does his FA year extend to 2017 or does the team lose out?

Just curious.

You guys seriously crack me up. YES Josh Gordon got popped on a whiz quiz "again". So we should immediately cut him... blah blah blah

How many of you smoke pot, or worse yet drink alcohol? I don't do either and haven't for a long time, but when I was young and dumb I did both often.

So basically what you are all saying is that we should cut ties with (BY FAR) the most talented play maker on the team because he made yet another mistake and he is obviously just a junkie (for smoking pot he is a junkie?

)...

How about we wait, we be patient, we let him go through the leagues substance abuse program, maybe even get him some help or a baby sitter... BUT SEND HIM PACKING???? You guys are all nuts. You don't give up on that kind of talent that fast, no way no how.

I wouldn't think it would extend the contract unless there was specific language in the contract addressing it and Gordan signed and approved it.

It's not about "just smoking pot" though.

It is about doing something in direct violation of the rules his employer has set forth for their employees.

I have a friend who used to smoke pot quite a bit. He managed to get a job with the USPS. They drug test regularly. His choice was pot, or a well paid job. He wisely chose the job. Gordon had the same choice, plus, football is supposedly something he really loves. How you blow up a highly paid job, that you really love, for a quick high is beyond me.

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Question for those "in the know"................

Gordon is/was to be a Free Agent in 2016.

"WHEN" he's thrown out of the league for at least a year does his FA year extend to 2017 or does the team lose out?

Just curious.

I'm not sure, and IIRC, there have been some issues with players who were suspended for the year and their contract status.

I heard Grossi say that the player is "frozen in time" during his suspension - his contract goes forward where it left off upon his reinstatement.

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I heard Grossi say that the player is "frozen in time" during his suspension - his contract goes forward where it left off upon his reinstatement.

I believe this is true - remember how players in contract disputes need to end their holdout before week 9 or something - so that they get an "earned season" in and don't have to stay under the same contract.

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How many of you smoke pot, or worse yet drink alcohol?

I do not care that Josh Gordon smokes weed. He can smoke weed everyday for all I care.

I do care about him getting popped repeatedly for failed drug tests in a lax system that's designed to look the other way. NFL rosters are littered with guys who smoke grass, but they're smart enough to work around the player-friendly drug policy.

That fact that Gordon can't, to the extent he has, tells me all I need to know.

I wouldn't cut him, but I wouldn't be upset if we did. I'd let him play the string as a mercenary, but his days are numbered in Cleveland if this suspension comes down.

Not only that, but how many people here had to quit smoking weed when they got their current job?? When I was a young guy I smoked weed regular, but when I graduated college and had to get a "real" job I quit smoking it.

A ton of professions require routine drug testing, and if you want to work for them you have to quit smoking dope.....so Gordon or any of these other people aren't required to do anything other than most of us have to do anyway.

Quit making excuses for this loser!!!

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He ran the full gauntlet today. Did First Take, Sports Center, Highly Questionable and another show I think. Kinda disgusted that neither the Browns or ESPN told him what's up before they paraded him out there like that.

Wow. You are blaming everyone but Gordon. Make no mistake. It's Gordon who failed multiple tests and got kicked out of two universities, was suspended for two games after one year in the pros, and is now facing at least a one-year suspension after his second year. He is to blame. No one else.

The guy is selfish. It's all about him and not his teammates. That's why I always said never count on a druggie.

+1 Vers!

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You guys seriously crack me up. YES Josh Gordon got popped on a whiz quiz "again". So we should immediately cut him... blah blah blah

How many of you smoke pot, or worse yet drink alcohol? I don't do either and haven't for a long time, but when I was young and dumb I did both often.

So basically what you are all saying is that we should cut ties with (BY FAR) the most talented play maker on the team because he made yet another mistake and he is obviously just a junkie (for smoking pot he is a junkie? )...

How about we wait, we be patient, we let him go through the leagues substance abuse program, maybe even get him some help or a baby sitter... BUT SEND HIM PACKING???? You guys are all nuts. You don't give up on that kind of talent that fast, no way no how.

Yeah, we should sign him to 100 million dollar extension

I've said for years weed should be legal in the NFL. Union should have traded weed testing for HGH testing in the last contract. It's legal in 2 States and 20 with prescription..... However, Gordon KNEW he was one tiny little F-up away from a years suspension. He smoked up anyway. Why? Because he doesn't CARE one bit about football. So I'm not saying cut him because of some holier than thou attitude about smoking grass. I say we cut him because we can't COUNT on him. Can't count on him to care enough to stay out of trouble. Can't count on him to be there when we need him. So cut our losses and move on..... Let him do what he seems to want. Sit around a apark up.... live off his rookie contract.

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He ran the full gauntlet today. Did First Take, Sports Center, Highly Questionable and another show I think. Kinda disgusted that neither the Browns or ESPN told him what's up before they paraded him out there like that.

Wow. You are blaming everyone but Gordon. Make no mistake. It's Gordon who failed multiple tests and got kicked out of two universities, was suspended for two games after one year in the pros, and is now facing at least a one-year suspension after his second year. He is to blame. No one else.

The guy is selfish. It's all about him and not his teammates. That's why I always said never count on a druggie.

+1 Vers!

+3

This draft is so important to these guys that they can't let ANYTHING ruin/distract/take away from the draft. The team is always better than the Jackass. Always!

Scenario: Your daughter is getting married today and a family member just got busted for something. Where's your focus?

Can't fault the FO for anything here. Anything.

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Not only that, but how many people here had to quit smoking weed when they got their current job?? When I was a young guy I smoked weed regular, but when I graduated college and had to get a "real" job I quit smoking it.

A ton of professions require routine drug testing, and if you want to work for them you have to quit smoking dope.....so Gordon or any of these other people aren't required to do anything other than most of us have to do anyway.

Quit making excuses for this loser!!!

Exactly. I firmly believe weed should be legal. Like booze is. But at this time, it isn't and Gordon knew that. He also knew if he blew a doobie his football career was on the line..... he just didn't care. Cut ties with the guy and let him smoke all he wants.... He can hang with Ricky Williams

+1

Gordon came into the league with an injury history known as stupidity.

I am more than willing to wait a season and ride out his problems for as long as he has the potential to be the best in the league. If anything we are saving a fortune on his future contract.

We spent a 2nd rounder on the guy, same as Little, Massaquoi, Robiskie. We are only upset right now because the guy has some actual talent. At least when he gets back he'll still have that talent and we won't be trying to pray and cast voodoo spells to teach him to catch a football.

I stinks Gordon will be suspended. But it is a hell of a lot better than having Robiskie and MoMass.

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You guys seriously crack me up. YES Josh Gordon got popped on a whiz quiz "again". So we should immediately cut him... blah blah blah

How many of you smoke pot, or worse yet drink alcohol? I don't do either and haven't for a long time, but when I was young and dumb I did both often.

So basically what you are all saying is that we should cut ties with (BY FAR) the most talented play maker on the team because he made yet another mistake and he is obviously just a junkie (for smoking pot he is a junkie? )...

How about we wait, we be patient, we let him go through the leagues substance abuse program, maybe even get him some help or a baby sitter... BUT SEND HIM PACKING???? You guys are all nuts. You don't give up on that kind of talent that fast, no way no how.

It's not a matter of whether we do the same or not because I would assume that most if not all of us can't gain millions of dollars and an NFL career if we quit.

It's the fact that he can't put down the bowl in exchange for 1 in a million type of lifestyle and career that many children and adults can only dream about. I think that is what enrages us.

I can have a beer or smoke weed (even though I don't) and it might not matter either way...but if I made the decision to keep smoking pot knowing damn well that I am giving up millions of dollars and a dream type of career it makes it extremely frustrating and angering to most of us posting on this board. At least I think I can speak on many of us on the board in that regard.

There's no reason to cut him. He's not going to cost anything while banned, and in the unlikely event that he does have an NFL career following his ban, we'd still own his rights and potentially be able to recoup something at that point (whether it's his services as a player or something from a team who thinks they can keep a better lock on him).

I do find it funny when people get so melodramatic about "he's throwing his life away" and "he needs help". Dude smokes weed. Millions of people smoke weed daily and live perfectly normal, productive lives. I'm sure there are people on this board who meet that description. If he's throwing anything away, its not his life but his lifestyle. There's plenty of stuff he can do for a living, some lucrative and some not, and get high every day if that's what he wants to do. It'll probably be a bummer for him when he finds out that his celebrity "friends" don't want as much to do with him once he's not an NFL star, but sometimes you have to learn the hard way.

Really sucks for us as fans of the team he played for, because he was a hell of a talent, but he chose weed over football. His life, his decision.

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However, Gordon KNEW he was one tiny little F-up away from a years suspension. He smoked up anyway. Why? Because he doesn't CARE one bit about football.

Addiction can turn the things that mean the most to one as a secondary to their habit, often before the addict realizes it's happened.

Just to cheer people up a little bit:

Rubin/Taylor/Bryant
Kruger/Dansby/Kirksey/Mingo (Sheard)
Haden/Whitner/Gibson/Gilbert

That's a very solid defense.

Pot is NOT legal in any state, because it violates federal law, and federal law trumps state law. States say that they aren't going to prosecute for pot, but the Feds can still bust a pot operation, and prosecute under federal law, and the state can't do anything about it.

It is not legal anywhere in the US, Some states have just chosen to not prosecute those who violate certain federal laws.

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I do find it funny when people get so melodramatic about "he's throwing his life away" and "he needs help". Dude smokes weed. Millions of people smoke weed daily and live perfectly normal, productive lives

I smoke weed regularly. Not daily, but 3-5 times a week.

But if I lost 6-7 figures and my job because I couldn't stop smoking it for short intervals during the year, I would probably consider that a waste of my life and a problem that needs help.

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Haden/Whitner/Gibson/Gilbert

I'm not sold on Gipson. We also don't have a clue as to what we have with McFadden and Slaughter. Who knows, we just might find lightning in a bottle with one of those two.

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I do find it funny when people get so melodramatic about "he's throwing his life away" and "he needs help". Dude smokes weed. Millions of people smoke weed daily and live perfectly normal, productive lives

I smoke weed regularly. Not daily, but 3-5 times a week.

But if I lost 6-7 figures and my job because I couldn't stop smoking it for short intervals during the year, I would probably consider that a waste of my life and a problem that needs help.

Short intervals throughout the year. He was busted early last winter.... At what part of the year are you speaking about that he can smoke.... You smoking regularly as you speak of, could you quit for 15 yrs. How many of you judges on this board drink and drive....well let me JUDGE you now, if you get caught I hope they lock you away for life because you're a waste of oxygen!

Now I am mad he couldn't put the team first but those saying cut him are crazy. His talent is tops in the NFL and I would never just cut or even trade that cause his talent is hard to replace

If I had a lucrative job paying me a lot of money and had my team, fans and family counting on me to refrain from doing those things, I most certainly wouldn't do them. He was given his 2nd chances and deserves to be judged.

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I do find it funny when people get so melodramatic about "he's throwing his life away" and "he needs help". Dude smokes weed. Millions of people smoke weed daily and live perfectly normal, productive lives

I smoke weed regularly. Not daily, but 3-5 times a week.

But if I lost 6-7 figures and my job because I couldn't stop smoking it for short intervals during the year, I would probably consider that a waste of my life and a problem that needs help.

A waste of your potential? Maybe. But a waste of your life? I can't agree, unless you consider your own life to be a waste. I suspect that you don't. The fact that he can't cut it in the NFL doesn't preclude him from having a perfectly comfortable life doing something else. If his weed habit was interfering with his life on a base level, it'd be a different story. However, it doesn't appear that it is.

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If his weed habit was interfering with his life on a base level, it'd be a different story. However, it doesn't appear that it is.

He went from the cusp of a eight-figure contract to lucky if he can land a minimum deal.

What else is he going to do for a living? Write a novel? Work for a think tank?

Gordon isn't the sharpest tool in the shed, and I'd be willing to bet that he already owes more than he's made.

I don't think money and career are everything, but they're a part of life's base level, IMO.

He is probably in debt from that massive back tattoo.

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I do find it funny when people get so melodramatic about "he's throwing his life away" and "he needs help". Dude smokes weed. Millions of people smoke weed daily and live perfectly normal, productive lives

I smoke weed regularly. Not daily, but 3-5 times a week.

But if I lost 6-7 figures and my job because I couldn't stop smoking it for short intervals during the year, I would probably consider that a waste of my life and a problem that needs help.

Short intervals throughout the year. He was busted early last winter.... At what part of the year are you speaking about that he can smoke.... You smoking regularly as you speak of, could you quit for 15 yrs. How many of you judges on this board drink and drive....well let me JUDGE you now, if you get caught I hope they lock you away for life because you're a waste of oxygen!

i could quit anything for that amount of money!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! hell if they tell me i cant wear underwear or boxers or anything under my pants for the next 5 years thats fine with me!! making millions to do it??? hell yeah........plain and simple...Gordan is a jerk.....he got a couple of mill now he doesnt care what happens...all he cares about is laying arond getting high and partying......

I don't know what he'll do now, and I don't really care what he does. But I'm not going to assume that the sole productive thing that he's capable of doing in his life is catching footballs.

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•Unarmed source
•Vague facts in the story
•Drew Rousenhous is already disputing the story

It's like I said, I'm skeptical.

It's a top story on ESPN by a guy that's been around for a while... 2 different sources. Sure it could be a false story but I don't think so.

and again we never Drafted a WR in the 4th so I'm being Optimistic until I hear otherwise. They don't seem too concerned!

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I do find it funny when people get so melodramatic about "he's throwing his life away" and "he needs help". Dude smokes weed. Millions of people smoke weed daily and live perfectly normal, productive lives

I smoke weed regularly. Not daily, but 3-5 times a week.

But if I lost 6-7 figures and my job because I couldn't stop smoking it for short intervals during the year, I would probably consider that a waste of my life and a problem that needs help.

Short intervals throughout the year. He was busted early last winter.... At what part of the year are you speaking about that he can smoke.... You smoking regularly as you speak of, could you quit for 15 yrs. How many of you judges on this board drink and drive....well let me JUDGE you now, if you get caught I hope they lock you away for life because you're a waste of oxygen!

i could quit anything for that amount of money!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! hell if they tell me i cant wear underwear or boxers or anything under my pants for the next 5 years thats fine with me!! making millions to do it??? hell yeah........plain and simple...Gordan is a jerk.....he got a couple of mill now he doesnt care what happens...all he cares about is laying arond getting high and partying......

as could I but the comment I was responding to was the fact he said he (PDR) smoked regular but could quit for short periods throughout the year.

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Short intervals throughout the year. He was busted early last winter.... At what part of the year are you speaking about that he can smoke.... You smoking regularly as you speak of, could you quit for 15 yrs. How many of you judges on this board drink and drive....well let me JUDGE you now, if you get caught I hope they lock you away for life because you're a waste of oxygen!

OK? That was pretty bizarre, but as far as to what I was speaking of in terms of when he can smoke, the NFL's random drug testing isn't all that 'random'. Players are aware of their windows, and smoke when they can.

It's not like you have to quit for the duration of your career (though in his case, that might've been a good idea).

Gordon's recklessness bothers me more than his drug use. It shows he has a ten cent head and doesn't care about others who rely on him.

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And Haslam knew it but still traded down and passed on the top WR's? WTF

Good Gosh....just quit. Farmer conducted the draft, and I am 100% glad he stuck to his board and didn't allow the selfish act of a selfish player to change the teams plans.

I am sure the Browns were aware of this several weeks ago. Good for them, they stuck to the plan.

Some of you need to quit your whining and crying.

Not whining and crying, simply questioning a strategy that doesn't take advantage of the fact that you have the 4th pick in the draft and also have the best WR prospect staring you in the face. Being able to adjust is just as important as being able to put together and stick to a strategy. Taking Watkins at 4 isn't considered a reach. It's value at the 4 position that also now becomes a huge position of need.

People on this board aren't the only ones questioning the first round now that the facts are out that they knew two weeks ago that he is facing an indefinite suspension. For the rest of the people finding out the news, WR easily becomes the most glaring hole on this team and we have every right to question the move or lack there of.

If Farmer's answer is that he stuck to his board, legitimate answer. Doesn't mean we have to like it or agree with it. JMHO.

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If I had a lucrative job paying me a lot of money and had my team, fans and family counting on me to refrain from doing those things, I most certainly wouldn't do them. He was given his 2nd chances and deserves to be judged.

I believe your argument to be logically invalid. Making X amount of money and having X amount of people counting on you has NOTHING to do with how he should be judged. He should be judged for his actions alone and how those actions and their punishments compare to all other actions and their respective punishments.

Now, let's take a look at HIS actions in comparison to scientific opinion and the actions of the league itself. Then, we can come to a logical conclusion.

We could just stop here, light our torches and burn him now so we all feel better about making the world a better place.

Or... We could keep thinking...I know it's tough... (following the lowest common denominator is so easy and comforting though)

I honestly think this whole thing is a BAD joke and HISTORY will be the judge. While I'd agree that Josh Gordon hasn't made all the right decisions, he is just a kid and the NFL is a league where the players are accountable for the wrong things and the owners are accountable for nothing.

I think this shows a kind of disgusting side of humanity and the hypocrisy of the NFL as an organization. People love watching others fail, it is our greatest addiction as humans. (Please take a moment and google schadenfreude).

Let's ignore the fact that we all love a game that irreparably damages the brains of the players involved. Let's hang the players who have a blunt so Roger Goodell can deflect from the REAL consequences of the game and the real issues that need to be on the table.

Let's ignore the fact that marijuana can help individuals through all sorts of medical ailments, including PTSD. (http://www.cbsnews.com/news/government-approves-marijuana-study-for-treating-ptsd-in-veterans/)

Let's take a moment to let this all sink in... Or we can just continue to bury our heads in the sand. After all, others are doing that right? If most people are doing it, it must be correct.

Let's be clear here, he is not going out and raping girls at clubs or anything like that (see: Ben Roethlisberger).

All the medical research coming out on marijuana that shows its benefits in multiple contexts. The fact that the NFL has this policy on marijuana while knowing the scientific truth about this substance only highlights their ignorance.

Let's also ignore all the research that shows the destructiveness of alcohol as BUD LIGHT is stamped in huge bold letters on the draft stage as we speak.

Then again, we all could just have another beer, judge all those people who smoke the evil devil marijuana and cheer loud enough to drown out any critical thought so we can continue to watch our most gifted athletes to give each other brain damage.

Then, once they are all out of the league, let us judge them once more when they make questionable decisions that are a direct result of their injuries.

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Then again, we all could just have another beer, judge all those people who smoke the evil devil marijuana and cheer loud enough to drown out any critical thought so we can continue to watch our most gifted athletes to give each other brain damage.

I don't see many people demonizing marijuana or getting out the pitchforks because Gordon smokes weed. That's kind of a straw man.

This isn't about marijuana. Nor is it about the NFL's drug policy.

It's about Josh Gordon being told over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over that if he fails a drug test in a lax system that's designed to look the other way, then he won't play, won't get paid, and let his team down.

There are a myriad of ways to beat urine tests. Gordon can smoke weed everyday for all I care. Plenty of guys in the NFL do it. They just don't get caught.

I couldn't care less about his drug use. Just do it responsibly. It's not hard.

You think he might've learned that the ninth or tenth time around.

j/c

but who are any of us to judge him for what he has done? Nobody in this group has never done wrong. nobody in this group is perfect. lets remember Josh Gordon is a kid, he is what 22 or 23 how many of you had your acts together at that age? I know i didnt.

instead of tearing him apart, why not pray he finds the help he obviously needs in life. he busted his hump for our team last year. We dont know any facts about this case other than what is being reported. I will wait for it to become official before i allow it to upset me. we have and are continuing to have a great draft, let that excitment flow.

Josh Gordon could have very well got injured and been out for the season. one player doesnt make the team, the team makes the team. Next guy up if/when he gets suspended. what is bashing a guy on a message board going to do? are you going to puff your chest out and walk around saying "i really told those guys" its pathetic folks.

until we as a fanbase stop bitching about every little thing that happens around here we are going to be stuck in the same funk we have been stuck in for the last how many years? Farmer has a plan, his FA signings and this draft proves he has a plan. lets see what becomes of it before we let negativity sit in.

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Not only that, but how many people here had to quit smoking weed when they got their current job?? When I was a young guy I smoked weed regular, but when I graduated college and had to get a "real" job I quit smoking it.

A ton of professions require routine drug testing, and if you want to work for them you have to quit smoking dope.....so Gordon or any of these other people aren't required to do anything other than most of us have to do anyway.

Quit making excuses for this loser!!!

Exactly. I firmly believe weed should be legal. Like booze is. But at this time, it isn't and Gordon knew that. He also knew if he blew a doobie his football career was on the line..... he just didn't care. Cut ties with the guy and let him smoke all he wants.... He can hang with Ricky Williams

And Davone Bess. They can all do bong hits together. No job, plenty of dough. Party time!

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Nobody in this group has never done wrong. nobody in this group is perfect. lets remember Josh Gordon is a kid, he is what 22 or 23 how many of you had your acts together at that age? I know i didnt.

It's a pretty myopic argument to boil it down to 'who's perfect?' or 'who didn't make mistakes when they were young?'

A more fitting question would be 'how many in this group failed a minimum of five drug tests, resulting in dismissal from three different programs/employers?'

Hands? Anyone?

There's leeway in compassion for addiction, but I'm not going to pat the guy on the head and tell him it's OK.

He's a reckless moron who clearly learns nothing from his mistakes.

That's the key to mistakes - you learn from them.

He doesn't seem to have, and he's on his what? Fourth? Fifth chance?

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It's about Josh Gordon being told over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over that if he fails a drug test in a lax system that's designed to look the other way, then he won't play, won't get paid, and let his team down.

Oh I get that and agree that this is what it is about with the way the system currently works. My point is that it shouldn't be that way. I kind of see these policies as tactics to deflect from larger issues that the NFL is facing.

Well, that and to cater to the majority opinion (ignorance) of the average viewer. Everything boils down to about perception and profit, not truth.

What if we learn in the future that his inability to make these "right" life decisions are tied to concussions he has had in game? (see: Bernie Kosar)

EDIT: And in regards to the straw man argument, I agree with you. I was intentionally highlighting the extreme way to view the situation.

Gordon is not a kid. He is a 23 year old young man, with a million dollar job. He has fame and adoration as part of that job, but he also has rules. The players union and owners agreed on the pot testing rules, and players coming into the league agree to it by virtue of signing a contract. These are no longer kids. They are not children. They are young men, with a responsibility to themselves, their families, their teams and teammates, and to the fans who support them and ultimately pay their salaries. When a player manages to get himself kicked out of the league over pot, it is like that player giving all of those people who supported him in one way or another, and those who depended upon him, the big middle finger.

It doesn't matter what your individual view on pot is. It is illegal under federal law. That has never changed, It is illegal for players in the NFL to use pot. If a player gets caught, there are penalties, up to and including a player losing his job for good. people always tell me that pot isn't addictive, so that means that Gordon just didn't give a damn about you. me, the rest of the fans, his team, his job, his contract, or anything else except getting high for some reason.

That's really sad. he might never play again. Imagine that.In fact, neither he and Justin Blackmon might never play again. What a shame, and what a waste of talent, all because they felt that they needed to go get high.

The only place addiction and weed go together is mental addiction. Just like people can develop with food. There is no physical addiction with weed.

It's not like some prescription drugs, cocaine or heroin. Or even alcohol at certain levels. There are no withdraws.

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Nobody in this group has never done wrong. nobody in this group is perfect. lets remember Josh Gordon is a kid, he is what 22 or 23 how many of you had your acts together at that age? I know i didnt.

It's a pretty myopic argument to boil it down to 'who's perfect?' or 'who didn't make mistakes when they were young?'

A more fitting question would be 'how many in this group failed a minimum of five drug tests, resulting in dismissal from three different programs/employers?'

Hands? Anyone?

There's leeway in compassion for addiction, but I'm not going to pat the guy on the head and tell him it's OK.

He's a reckless moron who clearly learns nothing from his mistakes.

That's the key to mistakes - you learn from them.

He doesn't seem to have, and he's on his what? Fourth? Fifth chance?

Agreed...This guy is just going to keep screwing up,and has the history to prove it.Not sure if the Browns will keep him,as this is a every year deal now.Damn shame,when he has soo much talent,to see him throw it all away.

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Short intervals throughout the year. He was busted early last winter.... At what part of the year are you speaking about that he can smoke.... You smoking regularly as you speak of, could you quit for 15 yrs. How many of you judges on this board drink and drive....well let me JUDGE you now, if you get caught I hope they lock you away for life because you're a waste of oxygen!

OK? That was pretty bizarre, but as far as to what I was speaking of in terms of when he can smoke, the NFL's random drug testing isn't all that 'random'. Players are aware of their windows, and smoke when they can.

It's not like you have to quit for the duration of your career (though in his case, that might've been a good idea).

Gordon's recklessness bothers me more than his drug use. It shows he has a ten cent head and doesn't care about others who rely on him.

A player in Stage Three essentially does have to quit smoking for the duration of his career, because he can be drug tested as frequently as every three days if the league wants to.

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The only place addiction and weed go together is mental addiction. Just like people can develop with food. There is no physical addiction with weed.

It's not like some prescription drugs, cocaine or heroin. Or even alcohol at certain levels. There are no withdraws.

Well, Gordon's mental addiction is costing him his livelihood.

If I were him, I'd deny everything until the suspension is handed down and they take a crack at an appeal.

If and when it comes down, I would immediately check myself into a 28-day facility. After that, sign with a Canadian team and comply to the T with the ongoing tests the NFL requires for eventual reinstatement. From there, say the right things and cross your fingers.

I don't know why I bothered typing that, though...at this point, I don't see much reason to believe he has any semblance of common sense.

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Nobody in this group has never done wrong. nobody in this group is perfect. lets remember Josh Gordon is a kid, he is what 22 or 23 how many of you had your acts together at that age? I know i didnt.

It's a pretty myopic argument to boil it down to 'who's perfect?' or 'who didn't make mistakes when they were young?'

A more fitting question would be 'how many in this group failed a minimum of five drug tests, resulting in dismissal from three different programs/employers?'

Hands? Anyone?

There's leeway in compassion for addiction, but I'm not going to pat the guy on the head and tell him it's OK.

He's a reckless moron who clearly learns nothing from his mistakes.

That's the key to mistakes - you learn from them.

He doesn't seem to have, and he's on his what? Fourth? Fifth chance?

I think we all understand that he hasn't made the best choices nor am I necessary defending him for the choices that he has made.

What I am trying to say is that the punishment simply doesn't fit the crime. THAT is the larger issue here and the more important one.

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What I am trying to say is that the punishment simply doesn't fit the crime. THAT is the larger issue here and the more important one.

I'm not the least bit worried about that. The league won't be testing for grass within the next five years.

Until then...don't fail three drug tests in two years.

Lots of other players seem entirely capable of smoking marijuana and not getting caught.

Davone Bess managed to smoke ganja and pass his tests...and he's a lunatic.

Yeah, he's cooked on that front now.

Quit or find a new league/profession.

The Browns signed him as a risk and didn't trade him when they had the chance..also a risk..but I want to know who leaked this stuff out last night?
From within the Browns doesn't make sense, although it could happen..but someone on the outs who had ties and was here when the test was taken could have...

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The Browns signed him as a risk and didn't trade him when they had the chance..also a risk..but I want to know who leaked this stuff out last night?
From within the Browns doesn't make sense, although it could happen..but someone on the outs who had ties and was here when the test was taken could have...

Does it really matter?

Maybe it was somebody at the testing lab who wanted his or her team to draft Johnny Football.

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What I am trying to say is that the punishment simply doesn't fit the crime. THAT is the larger issue here and the more important one.

But when you have committed the crime multiple times in the past, and you have been duly warned, and you know exactly what the punishment and consequences will be for yet another offense, and then you go ahead and do it anyway......you deserve every bit of wrath thrown your way.

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Davone Bess managed to smoke ganja and pass his tests...and he's a lunatic.

I was using this argument and statistics to say it was as likely to be struck by lightning than to get a year suspension for drugs in the NFL.

Turns out both Blackmon and Gordon have the right combination of stupidity and drug fanaticism to prove me wrong

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The Browns signed him as a risk and didn't trade him when they had the chance..also a risk..but I want to know who leaked this stuff out last night?
From within the Browns doesn't make sense, although it could happen..but someone on the outs who had ties and was here in Feburary could have..

Oh the media probably knew that he had failed the test before the draft. I don't know for sure but that would be my guess. They didn't report on it because they knew that releasing the story at the right time would cause jussst the right firestorm.

Q: When can we release this story to generate the most BUZZ?

A: Right after the Browns draft Johnny Manziel and day 1 ends.

Step 1: Release story at optimal time

Step 2: Create media firestorm

Step 3: Profit.

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What I am trying to say is that the punishment simply doesn't fit the crime. THAT is the larger issue here and the more important one.

You can't change the larger issue, and it isn't anything different than other areas of employment.

If a truck driver gets a DUI one Saturday night, he/she losses their job and will have to look for a new line of work.

It isn't about fair/unfair.....those are the conditions of employment. He knows the score.

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What I am trying to say is that the punishment simply doesn't fit the crime. THAT is the larger issue here and the more important one.

But when you have committed the crime multiple times in the past, and you have been duly warned, and you know exactly what the punishment and consequences will be for yet another offense, and then you go ahead and do it anyway......you deserve every bit of wrath thrown your way.

No, you don't. Not if the punishment and consequences inherently have little to no logical foundation other than to "maintain the integrity of the league'.

Does it matter? it doesn't change the results..but the timing is odd.

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What I am trying to say is that the punishment simply doesn't fit the crime. THAT is the larger issue here and the more important one.

But when you have committed the crime multiple times in the past, and you have been duly warned, and you know exactly what the punishment and consequences will be for yet another offense, and then you go ahead and do it anyway......you deserve every bit of wrath thrown your way.

Agreed. If anybody thinks Gordon is getting the short end of the stick, they need their head examined. Simply put, he knew the consequences and did it anyway. I don't feel sorry for the dude, I feel sorry for the team that has to share the locker room with him.

Talk about cutting him is crazy too. If I'm GM, I hold onto him knowing that he's a talented WR but build to move on when he is absent. It is not costing the team anything to have him during the suspension. Now not drafting a WR so far is kind of not fixing that hole; but I won't judge Farmer yet. So far the players he has brought in make sense for the system. In the long run, the Browns will look to have an excellent defense that will win us some games and possibly a run game.

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What I am trying to say is that the punishment simply doesn't fit the crime. THAT is the larger issue here and the more important one.

But when you have committed the crime multiple times in the past, and you have been duly warned, and you know exactly what the punishment and consequences will be for yet another offense, and then you go ahead and do it anyway......you deserve every bit of wrath thrown your way.

No, you don't. Not if the punishment and consequences inherently have little to no logical foundation other than to "maintain the integrity of the league'.

It's not logical to drive the speed limit on the highway at night when I'm the only one on the road, but I do it anyway. I know if I get caught speeding, I'll have to pay a fine, court costs, and an increase in my insurance. You have to stand for what is right simply because it is legally right, regardless of justification. Just because you feel there is not justification for making pot illegal doesn't mean that you are exempt from the consequences of your actions when you get caught. That's just dumb thinking.

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What I am trying to say is that the punishment simply doesn't fit the crime. THAT is the larger issue here and the more important one.

But when you have committed the crime multiple times in the past, and you have been duly warned, and you know exactly what the punishment and consequences will be for yet another offense, and then you go ahead and do it anyway......you deserve every bit of wrath thrown your way.

No, you don't. Not if the punishment and consequences inherently have little to no logical foundation other than to "maintain the integrity of the league'.

I have no idea where you're coming from. If I (as well as millions of others) test positive for marijuana just once, I lose my job. What is wrong with wanting to maintain the integrity of the league?

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Agreed. If anybody thinks Gordon is getting the short end of the stick, they need their head examined.

I tend to think you need your head examined if you (1) Believe that the NFL implements punishments that don't fit the violations committed. And (2) subsequently defend the NFL for enforcing those policies by saying "whlep those are their policies".

Well, I shouldn't say that such an individual would need their head examined but that perhaps their understanding and perception of the situation is clouded by a lesser amount of cortical gyrification in the brain.

Why couldn't someone just fix him a margarita?

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What I am trying to say is that the punishment simply doesn't fit the crime. THAT is the larger issue here and the more important one.

But when you have committed the crime multiple times in the past, and you have been duly warned, and you know exactly what the punishment and consequences will be for yet another offense, and then you go ahead and do it anyway......you deserve every bit of wrath thrown your way.

No, you don't. Not if the punishment and consequences inherently have little to no logical foundation other than to "maintain the integrity of the league'.

I have no idea where you're coming from. If I (as well as millions of others) test positive for marijuana just once, I lose my job. What is wrong with wanting to maintain the integrity of the league?

I am saying that the NFL needs a change of policy. Perhaps HR departments across the county ALSO need a change of policy. If we don't talk about these things and do not approach these issues in this way we just end up doing these same things over and over again. And that doesn't benefit anyone.

Here is an example of a psychology experiment that acrticulates metaphorically what is happening here. http://i.snag.gy/kdu77.jpg

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Why couldn't someone just fix him a margarita?

He's trying to watch his carbs

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Agreed. If anybody thinks Gordon is getting the short end of the stick, they need their head examined.

I tend to think you need your head examined if you (1) Believe that the NFL implements punishments that don't fit the violations committed. And (2) subsequently defend the NFL for enforcing those policies by saying "whlep those are their policies".

Well, I shouldn't say that such an individual would need their head examined but that perhaps their understanding and perception of the situation is clouded by a lesser amount of cortical gyrification in the brain.

No matter how eloquently you put it, your opinion on the subject has a flawed basis. Simply put: rules are rules. If you break them, you will have to suffer the consequences.

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Agreed. If anybody thinks Gordon is getting the short end of the stick, they need their head examined.

I tend to think you need your head examined if you (1) Believe that the NFL implements punishments that don't fit the violations committed. And (2) subsequently defend the NFL for enforcing those policies by saying "whlep those are their policies".

Well, I shouldn't say that such an individual would need their head examined but that perhaps their understanding and perception of the situation is clouded by a lesser amount of cortical gyrification in the brain.

No matter how eloquently you put it, your opinion on the subject has a flawed basis. Simply put: rules are rules. If you break them, you will have to suffer the consequences.

Would this country exist if everyone followed the rules at all times?

Name me one societal advance made possible by someone illegally using drugs.

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I am saying that the NFL needs a change of policy. Perhaps HR departments across the county ALSO need a change of policy. If we don't talk about these things and do not approach these issues in this way we just end up doing these same things over and over again. And that doesn't benefit anyone.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but it seems that you think repeated violations of employer marijuana policies deserve a slap on the wrist? How many violations do you think are acceptable before a 1yr suspension, or termination? I can't blame an employer (or the NFL) for not wanting their employees testing positive for marijuana.

I work in a hospital, I sure don't want my fellow doctors and nurses testing positive, and if they did, I wouldn't want them making critical decisions affecting my health.

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Agreed. If anybody thinks Gordon is getting the short end of the stick, they need their head examined.

I tend to think you need your head examined if you (1) Believe that the NFL implements punishments that don't fit the violations committed. And (2) subsequently defend the NFL for enforcing those policies by saying "whlep those are their policies".

Well, I shouldn't say that such an individual would need their head examined but that perhaps their understanding and perception of the situation is clouded by a lesser amount of cortical gyrification in the brain.

No matter how eloquently you put it, your opinion on the subject has a flawed basis. Simply put: rules are rules. If you break them, you will have to suffer the consequences.

Would this country exist if everyone followed the rules at all times?

There would be fewer criminals in the prison system, sex offenders running about, and generally a utopian society

The NFL's drug policy is very lax - especially when it comes to street drugs.

It's entirely possible that you could fail a marijuana test every year or so and never face a single consequence for it. It's also set-up through testing windows that aren't so much random as they are "random".

If you read through the policy - I think it's like 28 pages, you'll see that it's a nice wink-wink set-up the players won in the CBA.

You have to be very stupid and/or reckless to get suspended for street drug use.

I understand your reservations about the policy, and I'm in agreement. But it will fall away soon enough.

The problem here isn't the policy. The problem is that Josh Gordon is a moron.

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I am saying that the NFL needs a change of policy. Perhaps HR departments across the county ALSO need a change of policy. If we don't talk about these things and do not approach these issues in this way we just end up doing these same things over and over again. And that doesn't benefit anyone.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but it seems that you think repeated violations of employer marijuana policies deserve a slap on the wrist? How many violations do you think are acceptable before a 1yr suspension, or termination? I can't blame an employer (or the NFL) for not wanting their employees testing positive for marijuana.

I work in a hospital, I sure don't want my fellow doctors and nurses testing positive, and if they did, I wouldn't want them making critical decisions affecting my health.

I agree whole heartily. I'm a Marine working in aviation. Imagine what would happen during an insert if the pilots, crew, and passengers didn't have mental clarity during an insertion!

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The NFL's drug policy is very lax - especially when it comes to street drugs.

It's entirely possible that you could fail a marijuana test every year or so and never face a single consequence for it. It's also set-up through testing windows that aren't so much random as they are "random".

If you read through the policy - I think it's like 28 pages, you'll see that it's a nice wink-wink set-up the players won in the CBA.

You have to be very stupid and/or reckless to get suspended for street drug use.

I understand your reservations about the policy, and I'm in agreement. But it will fall away soon enough.

The problem here isn't the policy. The problem is that Josh Gordon is a moron.

I wasn't aware of the actual testing process until now. I know that it used to be more rigid, so thanks for this. I agree with everything you say here.

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I agree whole heartily. I'm a Marine working in aviation. Imagine what would happen during an insert if the pilots, crew, and passengers didn't have mental clarity during an insertion!

I can just imagine ........

"Dude, hurry up and get out .... I've got the munchies and a double pepperoni is calling my name ......."

It's still fairly rigid for PED testing.

Street drugs is pretty loose.

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I am saying that the NFL needs a change of policy. Perhaps HR departments across the county ALSO need a change of policy. If we don't talk about these things and do not approach these issues in this way we just end up doing these same things over and over again. And that doesn't benefit anyone.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but it seems that you think repeated violations of employer marijuana policies deserve a slap on the wrist? How many violations do you think are acceptable before a 1 yr suspension, or termination? I can't blame an employer (or the NFL) for not wanting their employees testing positive for marijuana.

I work in a hospital, I sure don't want my fellow doctors and nurses testing positive, and if they did, I wouldn't want them making critical decisions affecting my health.

I want to be clear here. I agree that there needs to be testing done in the medical field, in the military and in the NFL for marijuana. My issue is with the length of these suspensions for marijuana and how they compare to the length of suspensions for other violations. Also how the players are much more accountable than the owners themselves.

I think you could actually flip the script here with alcohol and marijuana. really I don't understand why they are viewed so differently. There is no alcohol testing in the medical field or in the military (that I am aware of). You wouldn't want your doctors or military members preparing for insertion to be drunk would you? (My ex is a ER doctor and man do they know how to drink). That doesn't mean that they drink on the job... Do you think that Josh Gordon smokes on the job? I wouldn't think so. Do you think people should be fired if a test is developed that determines they had been drunk within the last 30 days? What is the real difference here?

Good point!

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What I am trying to say is that the punishment simply doesn't fit the crime. THAT is the larger issue here and the more important one.

I'm not the least bit worried about that. The league won't be testing for grass within the next five years.

Until then...don't fail three drug tests in two years.

Lots of other players seem entirely capable of smoking marijuana and not getting caught.

Davone Bess managed to smoke ganja and pass his tests...and he's a lunatic.

I don't buy that. Marijuana doesn't completely clear your system overnight like alcohol does, despite NORML saying that only non-psychoactive metabolites remain. THC remains in your system for quite a few days. I smoked regularly for years when I was younger, and there's no way you can tell me that decision making skills aren't affected the following day after smoking. It seems that the marijuana is much more potent these days than it was back then, also.

The difference is, pot is illegal, and alcohol is not.

The difference is, the league says pot usage will get you in trouble, legal usage of alcohol will not.

Do you understand that now?

Let's not deal with "coulda shoulda woulda....." or "it should be legal". It is not. And an employer has every right to fine, suspend, or fire an employee that breaks the law.

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Why couldn't someone just fix him a margarita?

He probably HAD a margarita. "First I drink then I smoke." - Paul Stanley

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there's no way you can tell me that decision making skills aren't affected the following day after smoking

I agree.

There's no way you can tell me that decision making skills aren't affected the following day after drinking.

Not after a few drinks. Now if you get sloppy drunk, I'd agree.

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The difference is, pot is illegal, and alcohol is not.

The difference is, the league says pot usage will get you in trouble, legal usage of alcohol will not.

Do you understand that now?

Let's not deal with "coulda shoulda woulda....." or "it should be legal". It is not. And an employer has every right to fine, suspend, or fire an employee that breaks the law.

I know a lot of people that drink and drink a lot and they are severely effected the next day. I drank and drank a lot in the army back in the 80s and I can personally tell you nothing good comes from drinking. I wish I had never started. I haven't drank since early 90s but the time before that nearly ruined my life... I think they ought to ban alcohol too but that would cost the government too much.. I also agree with double standards being issues.... Colts owner doesn't lose anything and drinking and driving is alot more serious than smoking weed and he also has been a problem in the past... JMO

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The difference is, pot is illegal, and alcohol is not.

The difference is, the league says pot usage will get you in trouble, legal usage of alcohol will not.

Do you understand that now?

Let's not deal with "coulda shoulda woulda....." or "it should be legal". It is not. And an employer has every right to fine, suspend, or fire an employee that breaks the law.

I know a lot of people that drink and drink a lot and they are severely effected the next day. I drank and drank a lot in the army back in the 80s and I can personally tell you nothing good comes from drinking. I wish I had never started. I haven't drank since early 90s but the time before that nearly ruined my life... I think they ought to ban alcohol too but that would cost the government too much.. I also agree with double standards being issues.... Colts owner doesn't lose anything and drinking and driving is alot more serious than smoking weed and he also has been a problem in the past... JMO

Okay.

Again you are saying what SHOULD be, (in your opinion), and trying to compare that with what the law is, AND what the nfl's policy is.

The law, and the nfl policy is not the issue. If you want the laws changed, and the nfl's policy (and MLB, NBA, Soccer, NHL, etc) policies changed - work to get them changed.

But please don't excuse out of hand "well, just because it's illegal doesn't mean it should be, so go ahead and do it anyway."

Again, as others have mentioned - the problem here isn't pot - the problem is Gordon using it when he knows he can't.

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The difference is, pot is illegal, and alcohol is not.

The difference is, the league says pot usage will get you in trouble, legal usage of alcohol will not.

Do you understand that now?

Let's not deal with "coulda shoulda woulda....." or "it should be legal". It is not. And an employer has every right to fine, suspend, or fire an employee that breaks the law.

I know a lot of people that drink and drink a lot and they are severely effected the next day. I drank and drank a lot in the army back in the 80s and I can personally tell you nothing good comes from drinking. I wish I had never started. I haven't drank since early 90s but the time before that nearly ruined my life... I think they ought to ban alcohol too but that would cost the government too much.. I also agree with double standards being issues.... Colts owner doesn't lose anything and drinking and driving is alot more serious than smoking weed and he also has been a problem in the past... JMO

Okay.

Again you are saying what SHOULD be, (in your opinion), and trying to compare that with what the law is, AND what the nfl's policy is.

The law, and the nfl policy is not the issue. If you want the laws changed, and the nfl's policy (and MLB, NBA, Soccer, NHL, etc) policies changed - work to get them changed.

But please don't excuse out of hand "well, just because it's illegal doesn't mean it should be, so go ahead and do it anyway."

Again, as others have mentioned - the problem here isn't pot - the problem is Gordon using it when he knows he can't.

What happens if a player gets a DWI compared to an Owner. I think Colts should lose a draft pick. That would Punish him.

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You guys seriously crack me up. YES Josh Gordon got popped on a whiz quiz "again". So we should immediately cut him... blah blah blah

How many of you smoke pot, or worse yet drink alcohol? I don't do either and haven't for a long time, but when I was young and dumb I did both often.

So basically what you are all saying is that we should cut ties with (BY FAR) the most talented play maker on the team because he made yet another mistake and he is obviously just a junkie (for smoking pot he is a junkie? )...

How about we wait, we be patient, we let him go through the leagues substance abuse program, maybe even get him some help or a baby sitter... BUT SEND HIM PACKING???? You guys are all nuts. You don't give up on that kind of talent that fast, no way no how.

Yeah, we should sign him to 100 million dollar extension

I've said for years weed should be legal in the NFL. Union should have traded weed testing for HGH testing in the last contract. It's legal in 2 States and 20 with prescription..... However, Gordon KNEW he was one tiny little F-up away from a years suspension. He smoked up anyway. Why? Because he doesn't CARE one bit about football. So I'm not saying cut him because of some holier than thou attitude about smoking grass. I say we cut him because we can't COUNT on him. Can't count on him to care enough to stay out of trouble. Can't count on him to be there when we need him. So cut our losses and move on..... Let him do what he seems to want. Sit around a apark up.... live off his rookie contract.

not allowed to cut a player who is suspended. and why would you anyway? some team will take a chance for a late round draft pick in a trade.

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What I am trying to say is that the punishment simply doesn't fit the crime. THAT is the larger issue here and the more important one.

But when you have committed the crime multiple times in the past, and you have been duly warned, and you know exactly what the punishment and consequences will be for yet another offense, and then you go ahead and do it anyway......you deserve every bit of wrath thrown your way.

No, you don't. Not if the punishment and consequences inherently have little to no logical foundation other than to "maintain the integrity of the league'.

Im guessing you smoke weed? Im sorry, not trying to sound like a jerk but your argument makes little sense. Weed is illegal....doesnt matter if you think it is right or wrong. The nfl rules say dont do drugs. You want to keep playing and make millions? just abide by the rules. is that really so hard???? Especially for millions? he has failed over and over again...he is either very stupid or very arrogant....i would lean toward the latter.......point is.....how many times is the nfl supposed to let him off the hook? Just because yo think smoking weed shouldnt be a crime doesnt mean your right or wrong. However, when your employer tells you not to do it if you want to stay there and still get paid millions to play a game THEN YOU DONT DO IT.

You know what really pi$$es me off about all this? Is that instead of everyone talking about the draft choices and direction of the team,the talking points all became about Josh and his BS behavior once again!!! Thanks for taking our little bit of happiness and flushing it right down the toilet Gordon!! Hope your satisfied!!

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What I am trying to say is that the punishment simply doesn't fit the crime. THAT is the larger issue here and the more important one.

But when you have committed the crime multiple times in the past, and you have been duly warned, and you know exactly what the punishment and consequences will be for yet another offense, and then you go ahead and do it anyway......you deserve every bit of wrath thrown your way.

No, you don't. Not if the punishment and consequences inherently have little to no logical foundation other than to "maintain the integrity of the league'.

Im guessing you smoke weed? Im sorry, not trying to sound like a jerk but your argument makes little sense. Weed is illegal....doesnt matter if you think it is right or wrong. The nfl rules say dont do drugs. You want to keep playing and make millions? just abide by the rules. is that really so hard???? Especially for millions? he has failed over and over again...he is either very stupid or very arrogant....i would lean toward the latter.......point is.....how many times is the nfl supposed to let him off the hook? Just because yo think smoking weed shouldnt be a crime doesnt mean your right or wrong. However, when your employer tells you not to do it if you want to stay there and still get paid millions to play a game THEN YOU DONT DO IT.

Judging by your response I highly doubt you actually read any of my other posts.

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The difference is, pot is illegal, and alcohol is not.

The difference is, the league says pot usage will get you in trouble, legal usage of alcohol will not.

Do you understand that now?

Let's not deal with "coulda shoulda woulda....." or "it should be legal". It is not. And an employer has every right to fine, suspend, or fire an employee that breaks the law.

I know a lot of people that drink and drink a lot and they are severely effected the next day. I drank and drank a lot in the army back in the 80s and I can personally tell you nothing good comes from drinking. I wish I had never started. I haven't drank since early 90s but the time before that nearly ruined my life... I think they ought to ban alcohol too but that would cost the government too much.. I also agree with double standards being issues.... Colts owner doesn't lose anything and drinking and driving is alot more serious than smoking weed and he also has been a problem in the past... JMO

Okay.

Again you are saying what SHOULD be, (in your opinion), and trying to compare that with what the law is, AND what the nfl's policy is.

The law, and the nfl policy is not the issue. If you want the laws changed, and the nfl's policy (and MLB, NBA, Soccer, NHL, etc) policies changed - work to get them changed.

But please don't excuse out of hand "well, just because it's illegal doesn't mean it should be, so go ahead and do it anyway."

Again, as others have mentioned - the problem here isn't pot - the problem is Gordon using it when he knows he can't.

What happens if a player gets a DWI compared to an Owner. I think Colts should lose a draft pick. That would Punish him.

First, I wasn't aware the judicial system had made a judgement on the colts owner and the dui/dwi thing. If I missed something, my bad, fill me in.

Secondly, I have never heard of a team losing a draft pick due to one of the teams players having a dui. If you have, please let me know.

And thirdly - pot is illegal. Period. Alcohol is not illegal. Driving drunk is illegal. But drinking alcohol in and of itself is not illegal. Period.

Are you connecting the dots here? It's not what YOU think - it's the laws - of the fed. gov't., state gov'ts, AND most importantly, the league that signs your checks - the nfl.

If you'd like to turn this into a "pot should be legal" thing, have at it. I might agree with you. But the way it stands, pot is illegal. According to the fed. gov't, the state of Ohio, and most importantly - the nfl.

Gordon can smoke all he wants - he just can't be a member of the nfl while doing it. It's really not that hard to understand.

He has the ability to do what he wants. If his desire to do what he wants is in conflict with the rules of his employment - so be it.

Again, it's really not that hard to understand.

What you are backing is akin to "big deal, I have heroin in my system even though ABC company I work for says I can't do heroin. What right do they have to fine me or suspend me or fire me?"

It's simple: Here are the rules. Follow them, everything is ok. Don't follow them, you get in trouble. Period. End of discussion.

I don't think pot should be legal. I never said a team would lose a draft pick because a player got a DWI. I said the Colts should lose one because of the owner. The player would be suspended.

My point is a player suffers tremendously for his mistakes but I bet the owner will suffer very little. The biggest thing is, if he does get suspended for a year I believe it's a steep punishment. Also since he's been with the Browns I only know of this being a second offense so they are obviously counting college. Also last year's incident was for Codeine which is ridiculous that this is tested for. Yes an NFL player should know the rules but this was his second strike which again is Ridiculous so if he gets suspended for a year now that's stiff... Also wonder if the executives are tested for illegal drugs. If you're going to have standards for the players then Everyone should be test, including the commissioner... My 2 cents

On the lighter side, does anyone wonder where Gordon will end up on the NFL's "TOP 100 PLAYERS of 2014"?

Posthumously of course.

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It's simple: Here are the rules. Follow them, everything is ok. Don't follow them, you get in trouble. Period. End of discussion.

Do you see nothing inherently wrong with how you can just reduce this whole situation to what you are saying above?

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Would this country exist if everyone followed the rules at all times?

Yes. The King & Parliament were breaking the law.

The revolutionaries broke away to restore the rule of law.

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I don't think pot should be legal.

Just curious, but why?

I think our marijuana laws are the most pointless wastes of time and money outside of our prostitution laws.

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Also wonder if the executives are tested for illegal drugs. If you're going to have standards for the players then Everyone should be test, including the commissioner

Fantastic point

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Would this country exist if everyone followed the rules at all times?

Yes. The King & Parliament were breaking the law.

The revolutionaries broke away to restore the rule of law.

I'm pretty sure breaking away also broke some sort of law...

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It's simple: Here are the rules. Follow them, everything is ok. Don't follow them, you get in trouble. Period. End of discussion.

Do you see nothing inherently wrong with how you can just reduce this whole situation to what you are saying above?

No, I don't.

Can you enlighten me?'

Rules, regulations...........follow them and everything is good. Break them, deal with it.

No, I don't see the problem. Help me out. Maybe rules apply only to some?

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I agree whole heartily. I'm a Marine working in aviation. Imagine what would happen during an insert if the pilots, crew, and passengers didn't have mental clarity during an insertion!

I can just imagine ........

"Dude, hurry up and get out .... I've got the munchies and a double pepperoni is calling my name ......."

LOL, we already have that problem!

LOL...............some are still making excuses and trying to justify this idiots decisions.

Don't make any excuses for this guy. He knew the rules and what his situation was and still messed up. I don't feel sorry for him he will get what he deserves. I feel sorry for us Browns fans. I feel sorry for our coaches and his teamates who were depending on him to be there for them. He's got some growing up to do!!

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It's simple: Here are the rules. Follow them, everything is ok. Don't follow them, you get in trouble. Period. End of discussion.

Do you see nothing inherently wrong with how you can just reduce this whole situation to what you are saying above?

No, I don't.

Can you enlighten me?'

Rules, regulations...........follow them and everything is good. Break them, deal with it.

No, I don't see the problem. Help me out. Maybe rules apply only to some?

We need rules, regulations and all of these things but they all must be consistently evaluated and questioned. My point is that rules are not absolute nor should they ever be absolute. They are there for reasons but not always the right reasons. When rules exist without reason they need to change.

If we don't change these rules, we then enable the existence of thes ignorant rules and regulations. I just don't understand why people believe rules to be gospel. I just want people to think.

Do you think that all ended well here when rules and regulations were followed to the letter of the law? I certainly don't think so.

https://www.youtube.com/v/u_s1nJH8aPo

Get real. It's a BS excuse.

You follow the rules until they are changed in terms of doing drugs. We aren't talking about the American Revolution. We are talking about something that is illegal in the NFL and you do it only to make yourself feel good. There are no moral gains by doing drugs. It's a selfish act in which you put your own wants and needs above your teammates.

Don't even try to get philosophical in defending this turd.

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I don't think pot should be legal.

Just curious, but why?

I think our marijuana laws are the most pointless wastes of time and money outside of our prostitution laws.

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Also wonder if the executives are tested for illegal drugs. If you're going to have standards for the players then Everyone should be test, including the commissioner

Fantastic point

mind altering drug. Same as alcohol. I just don't agree with mind altering substances... That's just me...

I agree Vers. Your in the NFL now not college and your playing a man's game where others are depending on you. Grow up and act like one!

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Get real. It's a BS excuse.

You follow the rules until they are changed in terms of doing drugs. We aren't talking about the American Revolution. We are talking about something that is illegal in the NFL and you do it only to make yourself feel good. There are no moral gains by doing drugs. It's a selfish act in which you put your own wants and needs above your teammates.

Don't even try to get philosophical in defending this turd.

Again, I'm not sure if you actually read everything I have been saying. I am not defending his actions. I am questioning the length of punishment from the NFL and how that punishment compares to other violations by both the players and the owners.

This article below proves my entire point on why we are overvaluing the WR position right now in light of the Josh Gordon news and is also why I always refer to the 'Shiny Hood Ornament Theory'.

The 'MMQB', Peter King from SI, is not even comparable to the bloated talking heads on BSPN because he legitmately knows his stuff and is always a very intriguing person to listen to when he talks football on the various sports radio talk show circuit, most often on the Dan Patrick Show.

He was the only person who predicted that we were going to be a very reputable, and possible playoff football team the year we went 10-6 w/ Derek Anderson. It was the year he pushed to have Jamal Lewis running through the Orange Pads on the cover of the Sports Illustrated NFL Season Preview edition. Anyone Remember this?

Anyways, here is the article from the MMQB and the timing is great...

The Tease of Rookie Wide Recievers

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I am questioning the length of punishment from the NFL and how that punishment compares to other violations by both the players and the owners.

Why is the length of the suspension an issue for you?

I could understand if it were a year for a first offense....that's pretty draconian.

But when Gordon got hired, his employer/parent company said 'The terms of your employment prohibit you from doing this.'

When he violated those terms, they said 'We told you not to do this. Please don't do this again, or there will be ramifications.

When he violated those terms a second time, they said 'We've warned you, you didn't listen. We warned you again, you didn't listen, here's a fractional suspension. Do it again, and you're looking at a substantial suspension'.

He did it again.

At what point do you feel a flagrant disregard for company policy deserves a year's suspension? The seventh defiance? The tenth?

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I am questioning the length of punishment from the NFL and how that punishment compares to other violations by both the players and the owners.

Why is the length of the suspension an issue for you?

I could understand if it were a year for a first offense....that's pretty draconian.

But when Gordon got hired, his employer/parent company said 'The terms of your employment prohibit you from doing this.'

When he violated those terms, they said 'We told you not to do this. Please don't do this again, or there will be ramifications.

When he violated those terms a second time, they said 'We've warned you, you didn't listen. We warned you again, you didn't listen, here's a fractional suspension. Do it again, and you're looking at a substantial suspension'.

He did it again.

At what point do you feel a flagrant disregard for company policy deserves a year's suspension? The seventh defiance? The tenth?

+1

I Agree 100%

My issue is the length in comparison to other violations.

The third marijuana violation gets you a one year suspension. Raping a girl in a bar gets you a six week suspension. DWI as an owner gets you nothing...

Ok you got me there. How long was Michael Vick suspended after his conviction?

Two years.

So failing a test for the third time for marijuana is half as egregious as running an illegal dog fighting and gambling ring. Something about that just doesn't sit right with me.

Don't watch the NFL then?

I don't really know what to tell you here.

Even though the guy is great, he is not a team player. CYA Josh. Good luck at Mickey Dees..........

You didn't answer the question I posed earlier. Exactly how many times should an employee be allowed to fail a marijuana test before he gets a substantial suspension tor terminated? Should he be allowed to repeatedly violate the policy and receive slaps on the wrist? I don't know where you're going with this whole argument.

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You didn't answer the question I posed earlier. Exactly how many times should an employee be allowed to fail a marijuana test before he gets a substantial suspension tor terminated? Should he be allowed to repeatedly violate the policy and receive slaps on the wrist? I don't know where you're going with this whole argument.

I agree.

People continually want to bring up the 'weed is not harmful and is legal in some states" argument. The bottom line is that it is a banned substance in the NFL. Just like taking prescription narcotics or a benzodiazepine type sedative like xanax, valium, etc. is prohibited where I work. They are legal if prescribed, but we are not allowed to take it considering the work I do.

Just because a substance becomes legal in a couple of states and the trend is showing that it will be in several more doesn't mean that it is automatically legal in the workplace. Alcohol is legal but you can't drive under the influence of it or go to work drunk or you will lose your' driver's license or be fired.

Same goes w/ weed in the NFL. They don't allow it on or off the field. The rule may be in need of a revision but Gordon violated it with full awareness of the consequences. Therefore, he should pay the penalty.

If he faces a 1 year suspension, I highly doubt he will ever be in a Browns uniform again. He is showing that he just isn't a Pettine/Farmer type of player and is completely defying the 'Play Like a Brown' mantra that this regime is trying to instill.

There's always the Raiders or Bungles he could go to though, however, the Raiders have a new FO.

If he ever does see an NFL field again (pending the reports are true), that team still wouldn't be able to count on him to be there every Sunday unless this man admits he has a serious problem, seeks rehab, and is truly changed. Otherwise, you never know if he is going to let you entire franchise down...and that is not a guy I would want to count on from year to year on my team from various standpoints.

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So failing a test for the third time for marijuana is half as egregious as running an illegal dog fighting and gambling ring. Something about that just doesn't sit right with me.

The commish warned him,that if he did this again there would be serious consequences.The Browns supported that decision
as well.He had a history for his behavior prior to the NFL as well,and I'm sure the circumstances are looked at on a case by case basis,with players like that.He was on a short leash,and for a reason.They didn't want to suspend him like this,and had a line drawn in the sand for a him,in hopes he would get it together,but he didn't.Maybe you can look at the NFL policies regarding this somewhere,and find some answers there.

Also in regards to the "weed is legal in a couple of states" argument and is a "harmless substance", is anyone considering this from a PR Standpoint?

If the NFL allows its players to smoke pot recreationally, what kind of message would that be sending to our children who play youth football with the dream of making the NFL?

I know for sure that even though I agree that alcohol is worse for the body and mind than THC, I wouldn't want my kid to be idolising pothead NFL players and wearing their jerseys.

Isn't that the epitome of contradiction when you sit down with your kid to talk to him or her about the dangers of substance abuse?

The NBA doesn't test for marijuana.

Doesn't seem to have destroyed America's youth yet.

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The NBA doesn't test for marijuana.

Doesn't seem to have destroyed America's youth yet.

That's a debate that I really don't have the energy or motivation to begin right now because it would be neverending.

I just know that I wouldn't want my child to idolise a pothead. If you don't mind your kid to do so (if you have one), that that is your priority and is not my place to interfere.

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Also in regards to the "weed is legal in a couple of states" argument and is a "harmless substance", is anyone considering this from a PR Standpoint?

If the NFL allows its players to smoke pot recreationally, what kind of message would that be sending to our children who play youth football with the dream of making the NFL?

I know for sure that even though I agree that alcohol is worse for the body and mind than THC, I wouldn't want my kid to be idolising pothead NFL players and wearing their jerseys.

Isn't that the epitome of contradiction when you sit down with your kid to talk to him or her about the dangers of substance abuse?

Absolutley the NFL has an image they want to put out.It's a family friendly one,just like Disney PG rated.I do wonder why the behavior policy for drinking,and clubbing,steroids,sleeping around with all sorts of chicks,taking smack,ect is not frowned upon as equally as well.I think the NFL has some serious problems going on,with all the stuff that players are getting involved in lately.Going to bars,and drinking and getting in fights seems to be one of their biggest issues.Obviously pot has become as prevolent in our society as a beer it seems,but it doesn't make it right.There should be a standard to uphold for the privilege of playing professional sports,being soo many children look up to these guys,like they are superheros.Not sure how they resolve this,without kicking 1/4 of the league out,but something needs to be addressed that's for sure.

Here are the NFL rules (from what I have seen).

First positive test entry into NFL Program

When in NFL Drug Program
Next failed test is 4-6 games with the possiblity to get it reduced to 2-4

Second failed test when In drug program is 6-8 games with the possiblity to reduce it to 4.

Third failed test (When in NFL Drug Program) is 1 year ban with reinstatement.

Am I missing something? According to what I've read Gordon gets 8 games max.

NHL doesn't do weed tests, I don't think any of their fans are idolizing pot heads.

I think you guys are missing my point. Josh Gordon decided to jeopardize his entire career, he let the fan base down, he let his family down, he let his teammates down, and he let himself down - and this all occured because he refused to stop using a substance that is banned in his profession. A substance that is federally banned as well. This, IMO, is a substance abuse problem and it shows the dangers of what any drug can have on your life.

For the record, I am not anti-pot and I have no problem with THC being legalized. Nonetheless, even if it were legalized, there would still be certain workplaces where it would not be allowed. The NFL happens to be one these workplaces.

If an individual can not stop using a drug that is banned in their profession in exchange for a career in that profession that most kids would dream of having, that is not an individual I would want my kid to idolise.

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I think you guys are missing my point. Josh Gordon decided to jeopardize his entire career, he let the fan base down, he let his family down, he let his teammates down, and he let himself down - and this all occured because he refused to stop using a substance that is banned in his profession. A substance that is federally banned as well. This, IMO, is a substance abuse problem and it shows the dangers of what any drug can have on your life.

For the record, I am not anti-pot and I have no problem with THC being legalized. Nonetheless, even if it were legalized, there would still be certain workplaces where it would not be allowed. The NFL happens to be one these workplaces.

If an individual can not stop using a drug that is banned in their profession in exchange for a career in that profession that most kids would dream of having, that is not an individual I would want my kid to idolise.

I get what you're saying,and I totally agree.The dude had every opportunity and blew it.Now he has to face the music for his actions.Heck.most people would just get fired for alot less.

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NHL doesn't do weed tests, I don't think any of their fans are idolizing pot heads.

I don't watch Hockey and wouldn't know. Just speaking in general terms.

"I smoked in Colorado, it's legal, you are violating my Constitutional rights, I will sue the NFL for $100 mil."

I believe he has failed three drug tests in the NFL, which is a one year ban w/possible reinstatement.

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If the NFL allows its players to smoke pot recreationally, what kind of message would that be sending to our children who play youth football with the dream of making the NFL?

Would the children even know? I mean, it's not like if you allowed NFL players to smoke pot, all the sudden you would see them out and about doing it. Just like people don't "know" these guys are doing roids, they are...

Really...tattoo the "leaves" on your back? Josh Gordon Tattoos

http://www.webpronews.com/josh-gordon-ta...stagram-2014-03

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Really...tattoo the "leaves" on your back? Josh Gordon Tattoos

http://www.webpronews.com/josh-gordon-ta...stagram-2014-03

I see the pics, but I can't tell if it's really gordon. In fact, it doesn't look like him at all..

JC...def has Gordon on his back and his jersey number tatted on his back...wearing a camo hat (Gordon's Porshe SUV is in camo) H on the hat...resembling Houston (Gordon played at Baylor) looks like a WRs body...and its posted on Gordon's instagram account...99 percent its him...can't tell by face as you can't see it...but could probably tell by his neck tattoos...but I don't know as Gordon in most games wears a turtle neck...but with Gordon being a budist and more likely free spirit...no wonder he's on marijuana

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Really...tattoo the "leaves" on your back? Josh Gordon Tattoos

http://www.webpronews.com/josh-gordon-ta...stagram-2014-03

I see the pics, but I can't tell if it's really gordon. In fact, it doesn't look like him at all..

Of course it looks like him.

Didn't know Josh Gordon was such a weeaboo

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"I smoked in Colorado, it's legal, you are violating my Constitutional rights, I will sue the NFL for $100 mil."

Even in states where pot is legel businesses can still ban the substance from their employees. The NFL is no different. If Josh wants to smoke pot in Colorado he can do so but he will not be able to work in the NFL with it in his blood stream.

This is my kind of pot smoking!

What about we wait until the NFL makes IT statement about Gordon / Let us see if he beats the wrap on appeal / see if gets maybe a six game suspension .. Plan for the worse and be patient !

I can't see his face,, Until I do, for me, I can't knock the kid. in todays world where anything can be photo shopped, I'll wait.

Having said, I wouldn't put anything past this idiot..

Good Lord, it's on his personal instagram page. If anything's Photoshopped, he did it himself.

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Good Lord, it's on his personal instagram page. If anything's Photoshopped, he did it himself.

No instagram or facebook page has ever been compromised.. So I guess you are right

If he were to never have 'allegedly' failed the drug screen and wasn't facing the suspension and someone were to ask him about the back tattoo that has an obvious marijuana leaf, I bet he would say something like 'it's a symbol of all I've had to overcome.'

Either way, it's flat out STUPID Josh.

This kid has so much growing up to do and he needs professional counseling if he truly wishes to overcome his problem with substance abuse.

Uh...he was actually on the ESPN circus talking about these new tatoos a few weeks ago...they are his.

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Good Lord, it's on his personal instagram page. If anything's Photoshopped, he did it himself.

No instagram or facebook page has ever been compromised.. So I guess you are right

Tulsa, off topic, but what kind of shotgun is that? I like that. Wonder what kind of shot is in the shells?

Mossberg 590 A1 - the shells, he's using birdshot but I can't say exactly what.

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I believe he has failed three drug tests in the NFL, which is a one year ban w/possible reinstatement.

He would have had to fail 4 times. Did you read why I posted? According to the NFL, first time is like a warning.

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Good Lord, it's on his personal instagram page. If anything's Photoshopped, he did it himself.

No instagram or facebook page has ever been compromised.. So I guess you are right

Typical response from you...

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I believe he has failed three drug tests in the NFL, which is a one year ban w/possible reinstatement.

He would have had to fail 4 times. Did you read why I posted? According to the NFL, first time is like a warning.

I was under the impression that he entered the NFL with 2 strikes? No?

His "sizzle syrup" was the 3rd. This is the 4th.

How am I supposed to respond exactly?

The pictures are obviously of Gordon, coming from his personal accounts, showing the progress of his back tattoos, which he's been showing off for quite some time now (and includes his name and number).

This is his third failed test since we drafted him.

Ok, thanks

If he gets busted with this stuff he's going to have to make room for a much longer number on his back, hope he saves the space.

We have been losing with and without Josh and so I'm not really that down about it. It all comes down to how or QBs play and if we can finally run the ball again, which looks like they want to do a lot.

I think LaConfora said somewhere...can't find the link ....that it's entirely possible that he misses no time. I think there's a lot to the story we don't know yet.

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I think LaConfora said somewhere...can't find the link ....that it's entirely possible that he misses no time. I think there's a lot to the story we don't know yet.

are you sure? havent heard anything like that from him. Everything i am hearing is that he will in fact be suspended for the year

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This is my kind of pot smoking!

Gordon is either going through the appeal process or starting it. We really don't know anything except that he tested positive. He could have easily had his sample been contaminated, like Sherman had, or not. There's jut not a lot of facts right now.

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I think LaConfora said somewhere...can't find the link ....that it's entirely possible that he misses no time. I think there's a lot to the story we don't know yet.

are you sure? havent heard anything like that from him. Everything i am hearing is that he will in fact be suspended for the year

FWIW (not much at this point IMO):

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It's entirely possible that Gordon doesn't end up missing any time.

But that's all it says here.

did I just hear La Canfora say that Gordon may not miss any time?!

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did I just hear La Canfora say that Gordon may not miss any time?!

Maybe it was the testing method that failed and not Gordon.

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did I just hear La Canfora say that Gordon may not miss any time?!

Do you have a link? I can't find one.

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did I just hear La Canfora say that Gordon may not miss any time?!

Do you have a link? I can't find one.

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/eye-on-foot...rowns-to-add-wr

"It's entirely possible that Gordon doesn't end up missing any time. But just the very possibility that he could miss an entire year and leave the Browns in the lurch makes it worth drafting a wideout -- any wideout -- during the draft."

MemphisBrownie just posted the link a few posts above.

Again, we don't know anything about the appeal as the League tries to keep that stuff quiet. But like I said yesterday, the fact that the Browns didn't draft a WR makes me feel like the Browns have some faith that he won't miss an entire year.

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MemphisBrownie just posted the link a few posts above.

Again, we don't know anything about the appeal as the League tries to keep that stuff quiet. But like I said yesterday, the fact that the Browns didn't draft a WR makes me feel like the Browns have some faith that he won't miss an entire year.

I pray and hope you are right

question is...say Gordon comes clear of this...and isn't suspended...do the Browns then trade him? Or keep him

I was looking for something from LaConfora as I had read somewhere that he had said something to that effect. Neither link has anything from him. I thought maybe he had some new information.

If we could grab two firsts for him then trade him, anything else would be a joke tbh. He[s the 2nd best WR in the NFL.

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Maybe it was the testing method that failed and not Gordon.

That's what Rosenhaus & Co. are probably working on as we speak.

All you need is one small flaw or breach of protocol to create reasonable doubt and get the test overturned on appeal.

That's how Richard Sherman beat his.

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Maybe it was the testing method that failed and not Gordon.

That's what Rosenhaus & Co. are probably working on as we speak.

All you need is one small flaw or breach of protocol to create reasonable doubt and get the test overturned on appeal.

That's how Richard Sherman beat his.

I hope so but..... I am sure the nfl learned there lessen so it seams like a slim hope.

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did I just hear La Canfora say that Gordon may not miss any time?!

Do you have a link? I can't find one.

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/eye-on-foot...rowns-to-add-wr

"It's entirely possible that Gordon doesn't end up missing any time. But just the very possibility that he could miss an entire year and leave the Browns in the lurch makes it worth drafting a wideout -- any wideout -- during the draft."

Wow!

For LaCanfora even saying that tells me that there might just be more to this whole debacle that is yet to be revealed.

I'm really hoping that we hear something about this situation from the NFL offices soon. It's their obligation not to keep us in the dark thus forcing us to play any kind of waiting game.

I understand the NFL not wanting this story to completely overtake the draft as the draft was going on, but come tomorrow morning (Monday, 5/12) they owe our front office and coaching staff the oppurtunity to know exactly where Josh Gordon stands and thus where the Browns stand in relation to this 'Outside the Lines' report from the mothership.

There's got to be some substance to it IMO because stories like these rarely come completely out of thin air. At the same time, if it did come out of thin air, my hate for ESPN would be egregious releasing this 3 minutes before the start of round 2 of the draft.

Either way, I've been trying to stay as positive about the news as I can - not hoping that the news is necessarily false - but that you do not NEED an elite WR to be a great team, just capable ones. This theory has been proven time in and time out and the question that Ray Farmer posed in his post draft presser about how many of last year's Seattle Seahwaks WR's were drafted was genius and it is what I've been preaching ever since this news was released. It is also something I've preached about before in year's past on the Browns Team Message Board.

Ray Farmer has spoke of - WINNING AS A TEAM; and I thought that his analogy of teams that lose star players to injury but still find ways to keep winning spoke volumes about what their philosophy was in this year's draft. Draft the best possible fits for our team that have a chance to contribute and create immediate competition and depth.

I LOVE how we are building our rushing attack. I'm telling you this and now. Our running game is going go from arguably our biggest weakness to our biggest strength this year. Bitonio has more Pro Bowl potential than any Guard in this year's draft and we already have Thomas and Mack. Add Tate and West - who is a much more legit mid round RB that we've drafted before IMO - to the mix and teams are going to be too beat up and tired to chase Johnny Football around when he does decide to take off or when evading a sack. Let alone throwing deep downfield to Benajamin, a slant across the field from Cooper, a post to a really nice veteran that is yet to be named

, or...Josh Gordon.

Who Knows?

I don't believe the league is allowed to talk about these things during the appeal process.

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did I just hear La Canfora say that Gordon may not miss any time?!

Do you have a link? I can't find one.

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/eye-on-foot...rowns-to-add-wr

"It's entirely possible that Gordon doesn't end up missing any time. But just the very possibility that he could miss an entire year and leave the Browns in the lurch makes it worth drafting a wideout -- any wideout -- during the draft."

I tried to listen to the whole video but after awhile it was just like BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH (etc., etc.).... I started to get very irritated and felt my blood pressure rising, so I turned it off. I'll just take your word for it you're quoting him and save my sanity. lol

This was the deepest wr class i have ever seen in a draft...guys that went in the 2nd and 3rd round would have gone in the first round in most drafts....and yet we didnt take one...just dont get it

you guys want to see something funny go to his twitter account. In his lasted tweet he is congratulating fellow baylor players who were drafted......he is then immediately slammed by browns fans....some of the responses are hilarious....

Anyone have an idea as to when we will hear something from the league, or how long an appeal process typically takes?

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Anyone have an idea as to when we will hear something from the league, or how long an appeal process typically takes?

i would guess we will hear something by wednesday or thursday....but who knows for sure...they may want to drag this out just to torture us some more

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Anyone have an idea as to when we will hear something from the league, or how long an appeal process typically takes?

No idea the average, but Sherman's was a month from when we heard he had tested positive and when we heard that he had won his case. That said, we can't let that mean anything real. We don't know where Sherman was with his case compared to Josh. We don't know how long ago Sherman was tested or anything like that. We do know that Josh was informed two weeks ago, as well as the FO, but that means it could be another 2 weeks, a month, or longer than that.

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This was the deepest wr class i have ever seen in a draft...guys that went in the 2nd and 3rd round would have gone in the first round in most drafts....and yet we didnt take on...just dont get it

I'm frustrated that we look thin at the WR position right now too. I was really expecting us to take Sammy Watkins or trading back a few spots to take Mike Evans. I think if Mike Evans would have fallen to us when we traded back, we woulda took him and it would have been awesome to pair him up with Johnny Cleveland.

However, once Round Two hit if we woulda taken a WR, you are either taking away Joel Bitonio who has Pro Bowl Guard written all over him or Terrance West who is a combination comparison of Alfred Morris/Maurice Jones-Drew and who many experts believe is just as good a prospect as Carlos Hyde.

At this point in time, I will have faith in the Front Office and look forward to us adding some very capable veteran WR's via trading a mid round pick next year and/or cap casualty cuts.

In the meantime, look forward to a true 'Ground and Pound' attack that Pettine and Shanahan have been preaching since they've gotten the job. With Bitonio, Tate, and West combined with great blocking from Chris Snelling at FB. Joe T, and Alex Mack now add in Bitonio (who has a nasty mean streak BTW) - we will be literally 'bloodying opponents noses' and wearing them down BAD which should result in us getting better as the game goes on, while the opponents continue to get beaten into the ground.

Old School Browns Football Baby!

May I also remind you that we drafted Johnny Freaking Football?! Wear teams down with a bruising run attack, then let Johnny make them look like idiots in the 4th quarter when they are too beat up and tired to even try and tackle him.

P.S - We haven't even seen the NFL report about Josh Gordon yet and Ray Farmer has already stated that our depth chart at WR will look a lot different come the start of the season than it does now. I think he's on the phones as we speak discussing potential mid round draft pick deals for established WR Vets like San Fran getting Stevie Johnson for a 4th (I think and you can correct me if I'm wrong). I think it might end up being more beneficial to Manziel or Hoyer to grab a dependable veteran presence than to have to be depending on a rookie like Watkins or Evans (or dolt in Josh Gordon) if we want to win right now - which we do. RGIII really only had Pierre Garcon - hardly a superstar receiver - and a very old and much slower Santana Moss to pass to in his rookie year and the Skins made the playoffs and RGIII was Rookie of the Year. Yeah, yeah, he busted up his knee real bad but that was RGIII's fault for barely ever sliding and when he did, not even knowing how. Manziel slid a lot at A & M and knows how to evade serious contact when needed when you look at the game tape. Not to mention, Manziel has a lot more of that "IT" factor than any QB I've seen in recent memory. Forget what ya heard. Dude is a competitor and will put his heart and soul into every play. Exactly the opposite of the QB's we've had here since Bernie.

I agree Shot....and it is clear that running the ball is going to trump passing the ball, and when we pass, it isn't going to be the same vertical passing game Chud favored.

I am not saying we won't miss Gordon if he misses time. I just don't see it as the doom of death some others do.

I think that it's a huge blow, no question about it. That said, Shanahan has run his offense with 4 "C" guys at WR in the past.

In 2010, with the Redskins, his leading receiver had 1115 yards. In 2011, his leading receiver had 984 yards. in 2011, his top receiver had 633 yards. Last year his top guy had 1346 yards.

2012 was their best season, at 10-6.

So how about all you twitter folks on this board send Josh a tweet and ask him how the $50 million dollar joint was? Because that's at least how much he lost on his next NFL contract.

Josh Gordon you are a fricken moron!

I bet he's probably blowing a bowl right now in his crib with his homies!

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So how about all you twitter folks on this board send Josh a tweet and ask him how the $50 million dollar joint was? Because that's at least how much he lost on his next NFL contract.

Josh Gordon you are a fricken moron!

I bet he's probably blowing a bowl right now in his crib with his homies!

The thought about tweeting Josh came up in my mind many times in the past 24 hours. However, I already know that his Twitter account is being blown up with some nasty messages and if I were to say anything to him, it would be to "Get some help and find yourself, Josh." I wouldn't be surprised if he is receiving death threats and stuff right now which is ridiculous, so I'll just keep quiet on the Twitter Machine.

You would think with how we treated Eric Wright, we'd learn not to be complete dbags over social media.

I have no reason to blast the guy. Hopefully this whole thing is wrong, and he winds up not being suspended. It's probably a stupid hope, but that's what I'm hoping anyway.

I also don't want to completely bury the guy before we find out what's what. If he did screw up, then he screwed up his own career as much as he screwed the Browns. That's a shame, for him, and the team. Nothing can be done about it now.

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So how about all you twitter folks on this board send Josh a tweet and ask him how the $50 million dollar joint was? Because that's at least how much he lost on his next NFL contract.

Josh Gordon you are a fricken moron!

I bet he's probably blowing a bowl right now in his crib with his homies!

im sure his friends have allot to do with this to.......everytime he tried to quite im sure they gave him the guilt trip

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You would think with how we treated Eric Wright, we'd learn not to be complete dbags over social media.

Poor Josh. He is such a victim. I feel so sorry for him.

And I agree that it would be great if he gets away w/this even if he is guilty. It's all about the game and not about what is right and wrong.

Wow! Sometimes, I think society creates idiots like Gordon w/their pathetic excuses and "looking the other way" attitudes.

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Sometimes, I think society creates idiots like Gordon w/their pathetic excuses and "looking the other way" attitudes.

Yes, it certainly may. Serves to show us how NOT to do things...

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Poor Josh. He is such a victim. I feel so sorry for him.

And I agree that it would be great if he gets away w/this even if he is guilty. It's all about the game and not about what is right and wrong.

Wow! Sometimes, I think society creates idiots like Gordon w/their pathetic excuses and "looking the other way" attitudes.

I didn't know smoking weed had any moral values, if he did. That said, we should probably not send him death threats.

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Poor Josh. He is such a victim. I feel so sorry for him.

And I agree that it would be great if he gets away w/this even if he is guilty. It's all about the game and not about what is right and wrong.

Wow! Sometimes, I think society creates idiots like Gordon w/their pathetic excuses and "looking the other way" attitudes.

I have to admit vers. when mack got it for coke my first thought was give him another snort for a couple hundred yards. your talking a sport that beats the crap out of your body. a little drug use just doesn't seam that big a risk?

it is when you know its against the law and against the nfl rules. Oh Yeah, guess he forgot that in school.

JG needs to find an alternative recreational activity. Perhaps if alcohol was his pass time he could limit employment consequences... like Ray Rice and Ben Burger.